All Blacks legend backs Western Springs plan despite suffering stroke

Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams, former All Black and Ponsonby Rugby stalwart, was absent from Auckland Council’s governing body meeting this week where members voted 15-6 to back a plan to shift Western Springs Stadium towards a concert-focused venue, known as the Western Springs Bowl.

Tuifa’asisina, 75, who suffered a stroke late last year, had been expected to take part in discussions but was unable to attend.

His support for Ponsonby Rugby was instead delivered through a statement read during public input by club representative Peter Thorp.

“It’s a shame that Sir BeeGee can’t be here. I went and saw him the other day, but he’s not up to it either, but he’s very keen on what you’re doing,” Thorp told councillors.

He highlighted Tuifa’asisina’s deep connection to the club and the challenges he continues to face in recovery.

“It’s well known he did have a severe stroke towards the end of last year,” Thorp said. “He’s still struggling. He would love to be here, but he can’t. He’s slowly rebuilding his body and his mind, step by step, but it’s a long road.”

In the statement, Tuifa’asisina expressed his support for the plan recommended by Tataki, which he said would allow Ponsonby Rugby to focus on its long-term future at Western Springs where the club has been based since 1997.

“The club is now 152 years old and won both Auckland Premier titles, the Gallaher Shield for men and the Coleman Cup for women last year, for the second year in a row.

“This year, the club will field 10 senior [teams], including two women’s rugby teams, 44 junior rugby teams and four netball teams, as well as touch and sevens teams.

Western Springs Stadium, where Auckland Council has backed plans to shift the venue toward a concert-focused model known as the Western Springs Bowl. Photo/File.

“The club is also keen to provide for a wider than rugby community and considers that it is more than adequately equipped to remain at Western Springs and help provide the best long-term outcome for the community.”

Tuifa’asisina’s daughter, Tuala Gina Williams-Folau, said he has been recovering quietly at home with support from family.

“Dad has been recovering quietly at home since returning from Auckland Hospital just before Christmas,” she said. “He suffered a stroke in late October and is now focused on rehabilitation, supported closely by our family.

"He wanted me to pass on that he’s very pleased with the Western Springs decision. While he’s sorry he hasn’t been able to be involved at this stage, he’s been kept well informed by the team at Ponsonby Rugby Club. He’s also asked me to thank everyone who has supported him and our family over the past few months, including friends, neighbours, and his wider communities at Ponsonby Rugby Club and Moana Pasifika.

“We appreciate your respect for his privacy as he continues his recovery.”

Ponsonby Rugby Club’s men’s premier team on the field, as the club looks to secure its long-term future at Western Springs. Photo/Ponsonby Rugby

Ponsonby Rugby, one of Auckland’s most historic clubs, has a long-standing connection to Western Springs Stadium, where the club has trained and played for nearly 30 years.

The club fields men’s and women’s teams, junior squads, netball, touch, and sevens teams, serving not just rugby players but the wider community.

The council meeting highlighted differing visions for the stadium’s future. Some residents wanted to maintain speedway as the primary use, while others advocated expanding concerts or strengthening community sport.

The decision to back a concert-focused model reflects the council’s aim to create a more versatile venue for large events while still enabling Ponsonby Rugby to remain on site.

The motion to adopt the Western Springs Bowl plan passed 15-6, with councillors Christine Fletcher, John Gillon, Mike Lee, Greg Sayers, Ken Turner, and John Watson voting against it.

Auckland Council’s governing body met this week to decide the future use of Western Springs Stadium, voting in favour of the Western Springs Bowl proposal. Photo/Auckland Council

For the Pacific community, Tuifa’asisina’s continued influence is profound. Beyond his All Blacks career, he has long championed Pasifika involvement in rugby, mentoring young players and supporting clubs like Ponsonby and Moana Pasifika.

His endorsement of the plan, even while recovering, sends a strong signal about the importance of sports and community in Pacific life.

While the decision shifts the stadium’s focus towards concerts, Ponsonby Rugby is confident it can thrive under the new model.

Tuifa’asisina’s statement and his daughter’s update highlight the resilience of both the club and the wider Pacific community in Auckland.

Even in his absence, Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams’ voice was heard, reflecting his enduring legacy and the respect he commands across sport, community, and Pacific networks in Tāmaki Makaurau.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.