In 2009, at the AURFC Annual Luncheon, the then All Black Coach Sir Graham Henry launched varsity newest initative, the very prestegious JOHN DRAKE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP​. John Drake created his own legend with an exceptional rugby, business career and 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, Sir Graham Henry is the Patron to the Scholarship.

The Scholarship will support the winner’s 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. 

Since its announcement in 2009, the JDMS has attracted a crop of remarkably talent and intelligent indivisuals. All have gone onto  representing Auckland at one level or another, with one (Mitch Karpik) also gaining selection to the NZ U20 in 2014. All recipients to date have mirrored John Drakes attitute in all facets of life, and have represented the scholarship superbly.

PAST RECIPIENTS.