Peter Thorburn

Peter Thorburn
Thorburn in 2013
BornPeter Robert Tyler Thorburn
(1939-03-19)19 March 1939
Auckland, New Zealand
Died26 January 2021(2021-01-26) (aged 81)
Takapuna, New Zealand
Rugby union career
Position No. 8
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1965–1970 Auckland 40
Coaching career
Years Team
1985–1991, 1997 North Harbour
1988–1990, 1993 New Zealand sevens
2001–2003 Bristol Rugby
2006–2007 United States

Peter Robert Tyler Thorburn MNZM (19 March 1939 – 26 January 2021) was a New Zealand rugby union player and coach. He played his entire career as a number eight for Auckland from 1965 to 1970. He became a coach after his playing career ended, coaching domestically at first for North Harbour and the New Zealand national rugby sevens team. He later coached in England with Bristol Rugby from 2001 to 2003, before becoming interim head coach of the United States national rugby union team and guiding the side to the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He was also a selector for the All Blacks.