Regarded as one of the great All Black captains for his calm authority and ability to inspire those around him.

Having been earmarked as one to watch from a young age, Graham Mourie made his All Blacks debut in 1977 and left such an impression in his first two tests – wins over against the British and Irish Lions – that he was appointed captain for the trip to France later that year.

Mourie played and captained New Zealand for five more years, scoring four tries in 21 caps, and signed off on a high with a Bledisloe Cup series win against Australia. He is probably best known though for inspiring the All Blacks to their first Grand Slam of the home unions in 1978. 

After his playing days came to an end, Mourie was involved with marketing the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. He also served as chairman of World Rugby’s Rugby Committee from 2008-12.