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Bruce Cameron wasn't one to turn the cheek on the rugby field.
The former Eastern Districts prop admits he played a part in the almighty stoush that erupted between Bay of Plenty and the touring Lions at Rotorua's International Stadium in 1983.
"I had seen a bit of illegal activity by the opposition," is the retaliator's modern-day take on the brawl which typified the days of not taking a backward step and protecting your mates.
Cameron, 49, is a savvy street fighter, equally at home on the land or in the board room.
Born in Te Puke, educated at Kings College, his first job was as a shepherd in Gisborne.
He then moved into the family's Bay of Plenty-based quarrying, trucking and agricultural businesses and last year sold Cameron's Quarry Ltd, Pacific Pumice Supplies and Cameron's Transport to Winstone Aggregates.
He's married to Gillian, they have three grown daughters and Pukehina is home.
Q How did you get involved in the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union?
A I was approached three weeks ago by the New Zealand Rugby Union through Dennis Pickup. It's one of those things. Rugby has been a big part of my life. It provided me with skills and teamsmanship and leadership, skills I have used in my commercial career. This is about stepping up. As long as I can provide something for the betterment of Bay of Plenty Rugby I'll be available and prepared to participate.
Q Why take on the role?
A Rugby is essentially an asset of the New Zealand community. In the Bay of Plenty rugby is a huge part of our culture and for me it's important to step up and rebuild the values we have in our community, which happens to be in my sport, rugby. We've got years of proud traditions here and the blueprint Bay of Plenty and other regions have had to work under in this Air New Zealand Championship has been very trying. We're at the crossroads in this country. The two reasons I really wanted to get my teeth into this was firstly to reinstate the values we have in Bay rugby and secondly, to ensure rugby in the provinces can continue to grow and prosper under a blueprint which is affordable.
Q How quickly can Bay of Plenty Rugby Union get relief?
A [The National Competition] is probably secondary. The real priority at this stage is to rebuild the financial foundation. We believe we've built the integrity and confidence back in the union with the changes that have been made. We're now confident with our house in order we're going to be a good prospect for future sponsors to support us.
Q What is the local landscape out there for sponsorship?
A Bay of Plenty is in a unique situation. We don't have a lot of big business here but we do have a lot of healthy medium-sized companies. It's not about one company stepping up but selling to the business community that investing in rugby is an investment in our community, our social structure. If we are to be good corporate citizens we should support sports.
Q How much can BOPRU change and how much is dictated by future competitions?
A I'm not going to wait [for NZRU]. In the last 24 hours, Glenn Cotteril and the other directors have started on a strategy where we've got three priorities. The first is to secure and continue to gather in revenue and relationships. Second, we have to revisit our budgets and make sure it's kept tight. Third, is forming a draft strategic plan from which the union will have direction for the next three years. It will cover the whole base of Bay rugby and once we're happy with the draft we'll bring in the sub-unions and clubs to have them as a sounding board for its enactment.
Q How will you fill the vacancies still on the board?
A We have four directors at the moment, there are three vacancies and the board is committed to having the three regions - Eastern, Western and Central - represented in those seats. We will be talking with sub-union chairmen and clubs as shareholders of Bay of Plenty rugby about how to get the right people to fill the vacancies.
Q Are drastic changes needed in the way we pay players and how will it impact this season?
A Herb Schuler and Steve Miln have a very cohesive side, some exciting talent there ... Our main drive at the moment is putting in systems and measures to ensure we've got a check on all our systems and making sure the union is monitored day to day like any well-run company.
Q That's something we haven't done well in the past?
A Systems and procedures are an ongoing thing, you should never be happy that you've got it right ... The outgoing directors have my respect because at the end of the day, they put their hands up and did a job on a voluntary basis. Anyone who does that deserves a pat on the back.
Q What are your thoughts on corporate ownership of the professional arm of the union?
A That will only fly on the basis that provincial rugby continues to be professional and expensive. The most likely option is the unions are subject to [changed] salary caps. It's got to be lowered. The bottom line is we have to build the financial base and make it robust enough. You need a strong balance sheet to withstand the vagaries of rugby in the provinces.
Q How long will we be getting help from NZRU?
A The reality is [Dennis Pickup's ] contract with New Zealand Rugby finished last Friday. The board recognises, given we only came in on Monday, there will be a transition period of a week or two where we'll need a handover period.
Q How is the search for a chief executive going?
A Advertisements have been out there and we've had a healthy response. I haven't seen any of the candidates yet but have been informed there is good, strong interest.
Q What were your highlights as a player and since for Bay rugby?
A The highlight for me was the rugby fraternity - every year you had in it was enjoyable. The Bay highlight was without a doubt the Ranfurly Shield [win] and being there at Eden Park for the game.
Q Final thoughts?
A We're really looking forward to connecting with the Bay rugby community ... We've got tremendous support and we're going to build on that and get our union back up to a positive level.
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