Eric started first-class rugby with Auckland as an explosive flanker with more pace than most backs. After transferring to North Harbour he got more regular match play and was switched to the backs in 1992.
Previous experience
Rugby
He played 29 games for the All Blacks between 1992 and 1996 (including nine test matches). His playing career included over 200 first class matches in which he scored over 100 tries.
He was one of the world's foremost Sevens rugby players. He represented New Zealand at Sevens for 17 years and captained them to a Gold Medal victory at the 1998 Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur, the World Sevens Series Title for six consecutive years, Sevens World Cup championship in 2001, and the Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
As well as Rugby Union and Sevens, Eric has represented New Zealand at touch rugby, was in the New Zealand U-17 representative volleyball team, and won a light-heavyweight New Zealand boxing title whilst still at school.
Education
Eric attained the Bachelor of Laws degree, and was admitted to the bar as Barrister, with eight years of corporate legal experience.
He is now the Owner/Operator of a Foodstuffs Supermarket.
Career Highlights
• Played 200 First Class games of rugby, scoring 108 first class tries
• Auckland Rugby Representative 1986-1990
• North Harbour Rugby Representative 1991-2000
• NZ Maori All Blacks 1987-1998
• NZ All Black 1992 - 1996 (29 games incl 9 test matches)
• NZ Sevens 1988-2005
From the opening line, Eric had us in fits of laughter. It was just the humour we needed and he received a standing ovation. ... keep reading Repco Ltd
Exceeded [our expectations]. Very relaxed humorous style that truly engaged the audience. Eric received a standing ovation. Key messages of preparation, taking opportunity, striving for excellence and having fun with team mates.
Eric was entertaining, relevant and informative. His presentation style appeals to a wide audience. An entertaining end to an excellent programme of business related presentations.
Exceeded our expectations by miles. Absolutely no negative feedback. He spoke for at least 75 minutes and answered questions for a further 15 - 20.
Eric was great. [The audience] loved him. Great entertainment, just what we were looking for!
He is a legend. Really motivated them, the highlight of the whole event. Exceptionally good.
Fantastic - you could hear a pin drop in between the laughter! Some great key messages about practice makes perfect, and about always being open to opportunities. A perfect fit of speaker to situation. In our post-conference survey, Eric's session rated the highest.
Eric was very good. He kept our attention through his jokes and anecdotes and had a good underlying message about attitude and motivation.
Perfect for our audience. I think the standing ovation said it all!
Couldn’t have been better and I think Eric will prove to be one of the best speakers we’ve ever had
As a company, we all really enjoyed Eric Rush as our speaker. He was funny but also inspiring.
Eric had a great story that resonated with many of the people from our business. His speech was both entertaining and thought provoking. I would recommend him to any organisation wanting a world class speaker for their event.
