With one of the greatest nicknames in Ranga club history, Shaun ‘Big Sexy’ Ryan’s has given as much to the club as he has got in return. 

In this week’s Sponsor Spotlight, we chatted to Big Sexy about his role at Axiom Projects and his four decades at the club.

“I started as a four-year-old playing nursery grade rugby at Pigeon Mountain in frost with no boots and then played all the grades on the way up except restricted weight as I was too heavy!!”

Big Sexy made his premier debut as a teenager in 1997, alongside double centurion Brett Meale. 

Off the field, Big Sexy recalls the generosity of Don Meale supporting him and his wife when they became teen parents, and his first building jobs came via the club network, alongside Wayne Charlton and then Steve Arthur.

After a break from playing to raise his young family, Big Sexy returned to the field, playing for the premiers again some 20 years later in 2009. He has also seen his sons play junior rugby at the club, while his daughters and wife have played for the Pakuranga United netball club.

Big Sexy has worked at Axiom Projects for 10 years, now he is a Director and came on board to sponsor the club five years ago.

“I always look to return back to the club as it provided me with a lot of opportunities outside of the game. There is great networking and mentoring available - I’m now on the board of management and get to be mentored by the likes of Michael Biddick and Rob Neil.”

Axiom Projects oversees commercial and residential projects, ranging from small, unique fit outs to major transformations and new builds. In their 35-year history they have delivered some of Auckland’s most outstanding construction, commercial interior and design projects.

Closer to home, club members would have experienced Axiom’s handy work with the recent changing room and toilet upgrades completed for the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the recent updates to the Montressors and Trevor King bar areas.

Axiom Projects are also premier jersey sponsors in 2023 of the number 6 and 20 jerseys.

You can visit their website here.

As a club, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the incredible support of our partners and sponsors. If you are interested in giving back to the community there are a range of ways to get involved – give Mike Bongiovanni a call or email to connect today.

Article added: Sunday 28 May 2023