Laurie O’Reilly

Laurence Michael O'Reilly (1 February 1942 – 15 January 1998) was a New Zealand rugby union coach, lawyer, lecturer and Commissioner for Children from 1994 to 1997.

Early career O'Reilly was born on 1 February 1942 and was raised in Timaru, with Denis O'Reilly his youngest sibling. He completed his law degree at the University of Canterbury and was admitted to the bar in 1963, at the age of 21. In 1967 he became a partner for the Cameron & Co law firm. His daughter Lauren is a former Black Fern. A year later he selected the first women's team to represent New Zealand. He coached the team to the inaugural 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup in Wales.

The Laurie O'Reilly Cup is named in his honour. New Zealand and Australia have competed for it annually since 1994.

Death O’Reilly died from cancer on 15 January 1998. He held a living funeral before his death; Wayne Smith, who was mentored by O’Reilly, spoke at the event.