It is with great sadness that today we mourn the loss of a true Southland rugby legend, Ray Harper.

Ray passed away Thursday morning following a three year battle with cancer.

If you ask anyone about Ray, they will all say the same thing, he was a 'true salt of the earth Southlander'.

Harper was involved in administration with the Southland Rugby Union for 24 years and became a life member of the organisation.

He represented Southland on rugby's national governing body for 13 years from 1974, during a time when the council faced challenging issues, including the 1981 Springbok tour.

Harper had a hand in planning the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987.

He also managed the All Blacks on tours to Australia and Wales in 1980.

In 2012 Harper won New Zealand Rugby's Steinlager Salver award, which recognised exceptional contributions to New Zealand rugby.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time. His funeral will be held at ILT Stadium Southland Monday at 1pm.

Article added: Thursday 04 April 2019