Ray Harper

Q: When did Ray Harper die?

Ray Harper died on April 4, 2019.

Q: How old was Ray Harper when they died?

Ray Harper was 91 years old at the time of death.

Q: What was Ray Harper's cause of death?

The cause of death of Ray Harper was bone cancer.

Q: What was Ray Harper's occupation?

Ray Harper was a rugby union coach.

Raymond Aubrey Ian Harper QSO QSM (19 July 1927 – 4 April 2019) was a New Zealand rugby union player, administrator and manager.

Early life and family

Born in Invercargill on 19 July 1927, Harper was the son of Arthur and Bertha Harper. He was educated at Waitaki Boys' High School. In 1953, he married Natalie Winifred Thomas, and the couple went on to have two daughters, one of whom married rugby writer Bob Howitt.

Sporting career

Rugby union player

Harper represented Southland as a player for seven years.

Administrator

Harper was a life member of the Southland Rugby Union, serving as an administrator of the union for 24 years, and representing Southland on the NZRFU council from 1974 to 1987. Harper was involved in the planning for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, and was a tour manager for the Junior All Blacks on three tours. He managed the All Blacks on their 1980 tours to Australia and Fiji and North America and Wales.

Harper was a driving force behind the inauguration of Stadium Southland, Invercargill's all-weather sports venue.