Graham Henry

After attending Christchurch Boys' High School where he was tutored in part by John Graham, Henry studied at the University of Otago, gained a Diploma in Physical Education in 1969, and became a secondary school geography and physical education teacher. He taught at two schools known for their rugby prowess – Auckland Grammar School and Kelston Boys' High School. He coached both their first XVs. He began his career at Auckland Grammar School as a Physical Education Teacher in 1973 and remained there – while completing a Bachelor of Education at Massey University in 1979 until 1982, when he was appointed deputy headmaster of Kelston. Following the unexpected death of headmaster Jim Paton while jogging in 1987, Henry became headmaster. He held the job until resigning to become a full-time coach in 1996. His first major role was as coach of the successful Auckland provincial rugby team from 1992 to 1997. During his tenure, the team won the National Provincial Championship (NPC) four years in a row (1993–1996). Henry also coached the Blues in the Super 12 – winning the title in 1996 and 1997, and losing the final in 1998. He returned to the Blues as technical advisor for the 2003 season, in which they were again crowned champions.

Henry met his wife Raewyn at university. She was head coach of the Wales national netball team. They reside in Waiheke Island, and have three children. Henry was made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) in the 2012 New Year Honours, for services to rugby. In 2020, he was the coach for the Match Fit squad, an old-boys team of former All Blacks for a one-off game against Barbarians. On the show, he admitted that he should not have taken the role as the Lions coach while being the Welsh coach in 2001. After the tour, he developed depression. He had recovered after leaving the Welsh coaching job in 2002, but also helped him cope with the loss at the 2007 World Cup. In 2021/22, he reprised the role in season 2. He, the late Va'aiga Tuigamala and Brad Mika were the only Auckland-based members in season 2.