Auckland University RFC

At the 2009 AURFC Annual Luncheon, the then All Black Coach Sir Graham Henry launched the JOHN DRAKE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

John Drake created his own legend with an exceptional rugby and business career, along with a distinguished service in the media related to rugby.

A Memorial Scholarship is an honour befitting such an outstanding individual and is the most appropriate way to focus his example in the minds of young aspiring men towards emulating these outcomes.

The core objective for the Scholarship is to support a young promising individual who displays the potential to develop the attitude and success of John Drake. The Scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis. Former All Black Coach and 2 x Rugby World Cup winner Sir Graham Henry is the Patron to the Scholarship.

The Scholarship supports the recipients tuition at the University of Auckland while the individual will play in John’s footsteps at the University club. The combination of these powerful influences will contribute to the rounding of the individual, to mirror John's success in facets of life.

John Drake Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2010 Matthew Matich - Mt Albert Grammar

2011 Sean Brookman - Mt Albert Grammar

2012 Sam Viskovich - Westlake Boys High

2013 Tim Cleaver - St Kentigern College

2014 Mitchell Karpik - Kings College

2015 Marius Tonu'u - Otahuhu College

2016 Awanui Morris - Kings College

2016 Antonio Ripata - Auckland Grammar

2017 Te Ariki Te Puni - Palmerston North Boys

2018 Noah Foster - Mt Albert Grammar

2019 Sam Thomlinson - St Kentigern College

2020 Eli Margison - Mount Albert Grammar

2021 Will Bason - St Kentigern College

2022 Ngakete George - Rotorua Boys High

2023 Xavi Taele - St Kentigern College