The Upper Clutha Rugby Club inducted two new life members at its annual general meeting on Tuesday night (November 23).

Richard Pledger and Nick Thompson were recognised for their contribution to the club over the past 20 years with club president Nathan Simon saying it was overdue acknowledgement.

“Both Richard and Nick have made a great contribution to the club,” Nathan said.

“They both played over 200 games and have been administrators. Their knowledge and expertise is regularly called upon and they’re always happy to oblige.”

Richard played all his junior rugby for Upper Clutha before playing over 200 premier games for the club. He coached the club’s premier team and Central Otago where he remains as a selector.

He first joined the club’s committee in 1997 and served as president. Nathan described him as “a fantastic club man”.

Nick joined the club in 2002 and his 200 caps include periods as premier team captain. He joined the committee in 2003 and served as president among other roles. “He is the oracle,” Nathan said. 

“If you want to know the workings of the club, Nick is the go-to person.”

Nathan said the life membership acknowledges Richard and Nick’s ‘unbridled commitment to the club throughout the years’.

The Upper Clutha Rugby Club was formed in 1922 and now has nine life members.

PHOTO: Supplied