After finding himself at the helm of the Pakuranga United Rugby Club in October of 2020, GM John Easts retirement plan looks to come into effect sooner rather than later. John or Eastie to most had set a two-to-four year window for the role before he would buy a boat and head off to the Pacific.

Sticking to his plan somewhat, we are officially informing our members that John East will be retiring as of February 2023. Whilst in the role, John saw the arrival of his first grandson, not so long after there was an arrival of the second, closely followed by an announcement of a third on the way.

Taking to life as a Grandfather like a duck to water, Eastie felt like now was a good time to put the retirement plan into motion, so he can spend more time with his Grandchildren. It looks like the boat trip around the pacific will have to wait. 

Conscious of leaving the club in a better place than how he found it and not leaving his team in the lurch, John wanted to give plenty of notice before his departure. Eastie has been at the forefront of some massive changes during his time here as GM including the renaming of the building to the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre and the changing room upgrades for the Rugby World Cup.

Easties quick wit and humour will be sorely missed around the office and club. We wish John all the best with his retirement.

Article added: Wednesday 14 September 2022