association with Forbes, former Sevens team mate and PLAYER close friend Tim Mikkelson said “DJ is a great man on and off the field. He led by example RECOGNITION for over 10 years, influencing others by being a role model and always showing his passion for the jersey.“ DJ with the Forbes’ incredible on- NZRPA Kirk field career has seen him Award. become the most-capped player in world Sevens rugby history, playing in a record 89 World Series tournaments, Sevens victory haka. in 512 World Series games, DJ's family, [L to R] sister in law Carolyn, and scoring 153 tries. He Mum Anastasia, Dad Bill and brother Graeme. captained his side to gold at the and the World World Cup and has won multiple awards including the International Sevens Player of the Year and the Richard Deli Commonwealth Games Gold Medal haka. Crawshaw Memorial Trophy for New Zealand Sevens player of the year a record DJ with kids three times. Sarai and Tito. NZ World Cups. He also captained the

Counties Manukau Steelers facebook.com/NZRPA and led them to promotion “DJ is a very special person. into the Premiership He is selfless and epitomises DJ FORBES competition. what, as players, we aspire to. Tim Nanai-Williams who He is a class act all round and played with Forbes in the his legacy extends so much wins 2017 NZRPA Steelers and recently made a further than what he did on presentation on behalf of the the field.”TIM NANAI-WILLIAMS team to their former captain said: “DJ is a very special Kirk Award DJ with his wife Lisa. person. He is selfless and importantly off the field. His deep thinking and opportunities we have had through the game @nzrpa epitomises what, as players, intellect has been appreciated by all those who we are extremely grateful. As a family we are so EVENS ICON DJ FORBES WAS we aspire to. He is a class have had the privilege of working with him.” proud of him, he is a wonderful father, husband HONOURED BY HIS PEERS WHEN HE “DJ signifies what true leadership is, on and off the field. act all round and his legacy Forbes is currently completing a Master’s and role model but after so many years of I have admired his contribution for many years and truly extends so much further than WAS AWARDED THE PRESTIGIOUS degree, which will see him working across travelling it is lovely to have him home.” nzrugbyplayersassoc S appreciate the desire and drive he has for the welfare of KIRK AWARD FOR RECOGNITION OF what he did on the field.” multiple sports to examine the attributes and HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO players and the game.” DAVID KIRK MBE behaviours elite athletes value most highly in HIS FELLOW PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS Players’ Association CEO Rob coaches, a piece of work that will once again AWARD HISTORY AT THE 2017 ASB RUGBY AWARDS IN because he has been a good son. He Players’ Association award. Nichol has greatly valued provide valuable insight that will advance player The NZRPA Kirk Award was established in . tries hard and doesn’t say much. I was so NZRPA Chairman David Kirk MBE, Forbes’ input into player welfare and, potentially, coach performance 2005 and named after NZRPA founding When presented the award by New touched to be a part of tonight and thank whom the award is named after, said: representation and stated: and understanding. chairman and former All Black captain Zealand Rugby Players’ Board Member the Lord for our blessings.” “DJ signifies what true leadership is, “DJ’s support and passion for DJ is a proud family man, a man of faith David Kirk MBE. Kirk, a medical doctor, Tammi Wilson Uluinayau, a quadruple New DJ’s brother Graeme echoed his on and off the field. I have admired his athlete wellbeing has seen committed to his community who also happens Rhodes Scholar and former parliamentary Zealand sporting international herself, mother’s comments: “DJ is a quiet contribution for many years and truly him contribute as part of the to be one of the world’s most well-known and advisor, led the All Blacks to their first Forbes said: “It was definitely a surprise, achiever, he just goes about things. He is appreciate the desire and drive he has for New Zealand Rugby Players’ respected Sevens players. title in 1987. I wasn’t expecting that. It is an honour a good man and a good family man so we the welfare of players and the game.” Association Board and as DJ’s wife Lisa, who attended the ASB Rugby Previous recipients include Conrad for people to know what I am trying to are very proud of him.” The highly respected and iconic player part of the International Awards with him said “It is very special that he Smith, Richie McCaw and Tana Umaga for achieve off the field, and I would like to Forbes not only led the team on the has been an extremely valuable conduit Rugby Players’ Association is getting recognised for this achievements their off-field roles in helping establish the thank Rob and the Players’ Association field but took a lead role off the field and voice for the players throughout his Player Advisory Group. He from his peers. He is very humble and would commercial and employment partnership and my family, friends and those who I during a period of significant evolution in career. He has been a strong advocate has constantly strived to never expect anything like this from the between the players and the game’s have played with for all of their support.” the Sevens game. He achieved legendary for the development of the women’s create positive environments players. He has always wanted to contribute administrators that has underpinned His mother, Anastasia Forbes, shed status in the game for his on-field Sevens game, the sport’s inclusion in and platforms, through and improve circumstances for players. He the professional rugby environment tears of joy as her son received the first leadership, world record tournament the Olympics, the significantly improved the Collective Agreement always wants to give back to the game and has and achievements ever since. The 2016 of two awards for the evening, with the appearances and consistently high level player welfare standards on the Sevens negotiations and the players’ a strong desire to continue to do this moving recipient was former long-serving NZRPA second being the Richard Crawshaw of performance. However, it is his off- World Series and athletes’ wellbeing on a Personal Development forward with a view to coaching Sevens. Board Member, centurion and Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of field leadership contribution that was global scale. Programme. He wants to “We have built life-long friendships Northland stalwart Justin Collins. the Year award. “I am so proud of him predominantly recognised through the A player who has had a long and close see players thrive, on and through our rugby family and for this and the

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