Hawke’s Bay Rugby is proud to announce that Craig Hickson has been appointed it’s new Patron.

HB Clubs and affiliates overwhelmingly voted Craig as the new Patron at their AGM on Tuesday evening.

Hickson replaces Magpies Legend Neil Thimbleby who passed away in April last year

Hickson who represented Manawatu in 1973 while studying at Massey University also went on to play for Wellington B. On returning to Hawke’s Bay Hickson represented Hawke’s Bay B and was named on the bench for the Magpies for two games in 1974 without ever taking the field.

Hickson through his company Progressive Meats Limited has been a long time sponsor of Hawke’s Bay Rugby and the Magpies including ten years as principal sponsor.

Craig Hickson is a Wall of Honour Recipient at Hastings Boys High School and a long term supporter and sponsor of both Havelock Rugby Club and Hastings Boys High School.

Hickson becomes only the 9th Patron in Hawke’s Bay Rugby history. Previous Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union Patrons:

1915 - Frank Logan

1933 - William Corbett

1951 - Lew Harris (later Sir lew Harris)

1983 - Sir Russell Pettigrew

1997 - Peter Harris (son of Lew Harris)

1999 - Dave Harding

2002 - Graeme Lowe

2011 - Neil Thimbleby

2025 – Craig Hickson

Article added: Friday 07 March 2025