Office of the Vice Chancellor and President
MEMORANDUM
The Bond University Rugby Club and wider University community are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Grant Batty (1951 – 2026).
Grant Batty was one of the most exciting and influential New Zealand rugby wingers of the 1970s. His performances helped define a generation of All Black backline play that emphasised width, speed, and attacking ambition.
Having made his mark through outstanding performances for Wellington, where he became a crowd favourite and a consistent match-winner in the National Provincial Championship, Grant first earned selection as All Black #715 in 1972. He went on to represent New Zealand in 15 test matches between 1972 and 1977, scoring 12 test tries - a notable return in an era when international rugby was far more defensively focused.
Following his decision to move to Australia in the 1980s, Grant directed his passion for the game toward coaching. Alongside the late Mike Thomas, he coached Easts to their first QPR premiership in 1997, before relocating to steer the Gold Coast Breakers to their first two grand finals in 2001 and 2003. In addition, Grant served as an Assistant Coach for the Queensland Reds, Head Coach for the Australian Under 19s and also plied his coaching trade in Japan’s Top League.
His contribution to Club rugby with both Easts and The Breakers/Bond has been deservedly recognised through the naming of the Batty-Bremner-Thomas Trophy, which has been contested annually since 2001 and symbolises the spirit and camaraderie between the two clubs.
We pass on our deepest sympathies to Grant’s family and friends, as well as the Easts Tigers rugby club.
Vale Grant Batty.
Professor Tim Brailsford
Vice Chancellor and President
Bond University
Heath Hill
President
Bond University Rugby Club