Alan Muir Honoured with WRFU Life Membership

Born and raised in Gisborne, Alan Muir moved to Wellington in 1968 and soon became a valued member of the Wellington Axemen Rugby Football Club. Through the club’s highs and lows, he has remained involved for more than 55 years.

A talented prop forward, Muir played senior rugby for the Axemen for a number of seasons before injuries eventually shifted his focus to coaching. It was in this role that his deep understanding of forward play — particularly the intricacies of the scrum — saw him make a significant impact.

Muir enjoyed remarkable success at club level, guiding the Axemen to three Jubilee Cup titles and three Swindale Shield victories. Earlier in his coaching journey, he was also part of a rare achievement when the club captured both the Swindale Shield and Jubilee Cup in the same season.

His success at club level led to a call-up to the representative arena, where he coached Wellington during a memorable period in the late 1980s. In 1988, his side recorded impressive victories over New South Wales Waratahs, Fiji national rugby union team, and Wales national rugby union team at the historic Athletic Park.

A year later, Wellington produced one of its most memorable performances, defeating France national rugby union team 24–23 in a thrilling encounter at the same venue.

While results naturally varied over time, Muir’s teams were always known for their physicality and set-piece strength — particularly in the scrum, where his expertise was widely respected.

His reputation as a forward coach extended internationally when former player John McKee, who had earlier played under Muir in the Axemen Under 21s, invited him to assist with the Fiji national rugby union team during his tenure as head coach. Muir’s input helped strengthen Fiji’s scrum and forward play during their international campaigns, including Rugby World Cup tournaments.

In more recent years, Muir has continued to serve the game in Wellington through administration, completing two years as Vice President and one year as President of the WRFU. In those roles he has represented the Union at club events, Old Timers’ Days, trophy presentations and representative fixtures across the region.

Even today, Muir remains a familiar presence on the sidelines around Wellington, supporting the local game in all conditions.

The Wellington rugby community is fortunate to have benefited from Alan Muir’s decades of service, and his nomination for Life Membership recognises a lifelong commitment to the game in the capital.