Introduction
Dean Robert Lonergan MNZM is a former rugby league player and current events promoter.
Playing career
Lonergan represented the New Zealand Kiwis from 1986 to 1991 and also represented Auckland. He played for the Glenora Bears and City Newton Dragons in the Auckland Rugby League competition and the Canberra Raiders in the NSWRL Premiership. He spent 1989 with the Rochdale Hornets in England.
In a Test match against Australia in Melbourne in 1991, Lonergan clashed famously with Kangaroo forward Steve Roach and had to be carried from the field. However he returned to the field and New Zealand won the match.
Warriors
Lonergan was a board member of the Auckland Warriors from 1996 until 1997.
Personal life
Lonergan was educated at Massey High School and currently is part of the breakfast show on LiveSPORT radio. He is also a columnist for The New Zealand Herald. He is the owner of Dean Lonergan Events Ltd and the promoter of the Fight for Life charity boxing events. Following the resignation of Robert Muldoon, Lonergan stood in the 1992 Tamaki by-election for a seat in the 43rd New Zealand Parliament, as a stunt for Radio Hauraki. Of 14 candidates, he came sixth with 0.60% of the votes.
Honours
In the 2012 Queen's Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours, Lonergan was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport and philanthropy.