About Eddie Tonks
Lived 1934 – 2020 (aged 85). Eddie Tonks was a New Zealand businessperson and sports executive.
Edward James Tonks (30 December 1934 – 18 October 2020) was a New Zealand businessman and sports administrator. He served as chair of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) between 1990 and 1995, and also chaired the International Rugby Board (IRB).
Personal life Tonks was born in Wellington on 30 December 1934. He was educated at Khandallah Primary School in Wellington, Waipu District High School, and then Wellington Technical College from 1948 to 1950. In 1958, Tonks married Claire Suzanne Poulton, and the couple went on to have two children.
Career As a businessman, Tonks had his own exporting company. In 1986, Tonks was appointed to the board of the NZRFU, serving as deputy chair from 1988 to 1989, and then chair between 1990 and 1995. and in 2004 he was made a life member of New Zealand Rugby.
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Important facts
People in Eddie Tonks's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Eddie Tonks?
New Zealand rugby union administrator
When was Eddie Tonks born?
Eddie Tonks was born on 30 December 1934 in Wellington.
When did Eddie Tonks die?
Eddie Tonks died on 18 October 2020 in Wellington.
What was Eddie Tonks's occupation?
Eddie Tonks was a businessperson and sports executive.
What nationality was Eddie Tonks?
Eddie Tonks was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Eddie Tonks. https://biography.guide/eddie-tonks/
MLA: "Eddie Tonks." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/eddie-tonks/.
Chicago: "Eddie Tonks." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/eddie-tonks/.
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