Rugby, Religion & Role Models

10 Jun 2010

Martin Snedden, the man responsible for making the Rugby World Cup go off without a hitch, visited St Augustine’s to talk about his passion for sport and for God.

“My role models would have to be my mum and dad.” That was how Rugby World Cup 2011 CEO Martin Snedden answered one of the questions posed to him at the Rugby, Religion and Role Models night, hosted by St Augustine’s Cashmere. The former test and one day Black Cap cricketer (or, should I say, former member of the Beige Brigade) has taken on the task of ensuring New Zealand’s time in the sporting spotlight goes smoothly. Fortunately for all of us, he has God on his side.

Over 150 turned up to hear the man speak on faith and fairplay, many with burning questions at the ready. Over the course of an hour, Martin talked in a laid-back style about the Rugby World Cup and the massive work involved in bringing it to New Zealand, including the personal challenges of such an endeavour. Then it was our chance to pose some questions. Up close and personal from the couch, he answered a range of queries – his fondest memory of playing test cricket, how he juggles time with family and his work, and how he copes with having a Christian faith in a secular world. As the evening concluded over hot drinks and cake, some simply couldn’t resist the urge to get autographs from the man New Zealand is depending on.

After match feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive too. One person was impressed with how “approachable and open about his life and work” Martin was. Another was already looking ahead – “What a great night…so when’s the next one?” Next on the guest list: David Beckham.

WORDS: Kevin Tapper