Keeping the Hurricanes whānau
connected
during and after rugby
Who we are, why we exist, and the people behind the Trust.
The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust exists to keep players, staff, management, and whānau connected for life. We’re a community built on shared experience — the highs of professional rugby and the challenges that come when the boots are hung up.
Who We Are
The Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust was established to make sure no Hurricane faces life after rugby alone. We are a network of players, staff, alumni, and partners who share a passion for helping our whānau succeed in the next chapter of their lives.
Our Purpose
We exist to:
Support Hurricanes and and Hurricanes Poua players, staff, management and whānau during and after rugby
Keep alumni connected to the Hurricanes family
Provide guidance through the transition to life beyond the game
Stand alongside whānau in times of need and hardship
Strengthen and grow the Hurricanes brand and legacy
Why We’re Here
Life after rugby is never simple. Some players step away on their own terms; others face sudden change. Either way, the shift is huge — physically, mentally, socially, financially, and in terms of identity.
That’s where the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust comes in. By providing connection, support, and practical tools, we make sure no one has to face the transition alone. We also work closely with the Hurricanes to strengthen the wider Hurricanes whānau — offering events, services, and opportunities that keep alumni connected to the club long after their playing days.
Our People
Meet the Trustees who guide the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust. Each brings their own experience — as players, partners, or professionals — and a shared commitment to supporting the Hurricanes whānau during and after rugby.
Mike Russell
Chair of Trustees, Hurricane #23
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With my wife Vicki we own a property development company, building new houses in the northern suburbs of Wellington. Over the last 27 years, we have built over 500 houses.
I played over 100 first-class games, representing Waikato, Wellington and the Hurricanes from 1996 – 1997 including playing in the first-ever professional rugby game in New Zealand, Hurricanes v Blues 1 March 1996.
After a conversation with Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd and Sir Paul Collins, the then Chairman of the Hurricanes, six years ago, I was instrumental in setting up the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust.
I am passionate about ‘giving back’ to the game of rugby, especially to be able to support Hurricanes players and their families as they transition to a successful life after rugby.
FafilI Levave
Trustee, Hurricane #152
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I played 67 games for the Hurricanes from 2010 to 2014 and 17 for Samoa.
I am also a Board member of the Pacific Rugby Players Association. Passionate about life after rugby and transitioning, I encourage all players and families to have a Plan B, especially during these uncertain times.
Shannon Paku
Trustee, Hurricane #94
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I played the last of my Hurricanes matches in 2008 before spending 2 years playing in the South-West of France.
I eventually hung up my boots in 2010, taking on a dairy and meat franchise with Goodman Fielder.
After 8 years in the business, I then went on to be the CEO of the Manawatu Rugby Union for 3 years through to March 2021.
I am currently living the dream as a part-time pretend-builder and full-time self-titled ‘Household Administrator’ supporting my lovely wife and three kids.
NICK CROSSWELL
Trustee, Hurricane #159
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After a professional rugby career that took me to Wellington, Dunedin, Hamilton, and Wales, I was fortunate enough to finish up where it all began playing for the Manawatu Turbos.
I have now settled back in Palmerston North with my wife Hanna and our three young children. I am currently working as the Sales Manager for nationwide agri-business, Bell-Booth, and have hung up the footy boots for good.
It is a great privilege to be part of the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust. Having recently faced the challenge of moving to a post-rugby career, I look forward to having the opportunity to use my experiences to assist and support others going through this same transition.
CONRAD SMITH
Trustee, Hurricane #110
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Joining the Club in 2004, I enjoyed 12 amazing seasons with the ’Canes, which left me with lifelong friends and the swirl very close to my heart.
After 5 years in France, I’m now back in New Plymouth, working remotely for International Rugby Players, based in Dublin.
After a long service with New Zealand Rugby Players Association, I’m still passionate about working with current and retired players both in the running of the game and supporting them as they transition into life after rugby.
I’m proud of what the Alumni has achieved to date, leading the country as a network that supports, connects and enhances the Hurricanes Club. The services provided will become more and more relevant in the years ahead and it is a pleasure to be involved.
Rachael Rakatāu
Trustee, Hurricane Poua #10
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I am currently in a unique and very privileged position joining the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust while still in my playing career.
My current teams include the Hurricanes Poua, Manawatu Cyclones and Melbourne Rebels.
Outside of rugby, I am a wife, mum of two young children and an Associate at Allan McNeill Chartered Accountants in Palmerston North.
The transition out of rugby for players can be difficult, and for female players, it is an evolving space, with most female players not on full-time contracts yet. I am excited about the opportunity to help assist and support players’ transition to the next phase in their lives.
Grant McPherson
INDEPENDENT Trustee
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Over the years as an avid sports participant and fan, I have seen the challenges that high performing athletes have as they move from their sporting environment to something quite different. The need for understanding and support is vital for these athletes and their families to transition into the next chapter of their lives.
To be able to be a part of the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust, who is leading in this area, is a great privilege and I’m excited by the opportunities ahead to help Hurricanes players, partners, families, management and officials.
I am keen to utilise my international, commercial and educational experience and skills to support the Hurricanes Alumni.
Maddie Blackwell
Partner of former player
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In my professional role, I’m a strategy consultant specialising in creating impactful customer experiences.
Personally, I’m the wife of a former Hurricanes player of eight seasons.
These roles allow me to offer insights to the alumni foundation and help to deliver necessary services used by former Hurricanes players.
Ensuring a high-quality post-rugby life for alumni and their families is paramount to me.
Our Former Trustees
We acknowledge and thank our past Trustees for their mahi and dedication in shaping the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust. Their contribution has been instrumental in building the strong network we continue today.
Quentin Hay
Former Trustee of Hurricanes Alumni and Hurricanes
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Quentin contributed his governance expertise to the Hurricanes Alumni Foundation Trust, helping provide leadership and direction during its early years, and was also the driving force to create our Trust Deed.
Based in Wellington, he is a respected commercial barrister who has practised extensively in commercial and corporate law. He has held significant roles including partner at Bell Gully, governance advisor, and Chair of the Wellington Museums Trust, where he has been instrumental in guiding the city’s cultural institutions.
Frances Paku
Former Trustee & current partner
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I graduated from Victoria University with a BCA, majoring in Marketing and International Business. Starting out my career as a recruitment consultant, I then took time out of the workforce to start a family and follow my husband, Shannon, to France on a rugby contract.
Upon returning to NZ, I supported Shannon behind the scenes with the HR and back-office administration requirements of our franchise business, before also embarking on a small business venture, importing French antiques.
Having upskilled in Project Management, I am now a contractor in the Public Sector working in a Change Management capacity.
TONY BEDFORD
Former Trustee & Former Hurricanes Manager & Ops Manager
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I was the inaugural Hurricanes Manager when rugby went professional in 1995. I continued in this role and then went on to become the Operations Manager.
I was a part of the Hurricanes organisation for 15 years until 2010. In 2015, I was involved in setting up the Hurricanes Alumni and helped collate the initial member database and also establish the Trust Deed.
I am now back residing in Taranaki and am a councillor for the Taranaki District Council.
We all hang up the boots one day
We’re here to make the transition to life after the game a little easier.
Our Sponsors
