Career
He was chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council from 1978 to 1987. He made his first-class debut for Wellington in 1947-1948, and established his position as an opening batsman in 1950-1951, when he scored 75 and 29 in a victory over Auckland. He remained in the team, sometimes as an opener, sometimes batting at number three or four.
He made his only century, 109 against Central Districts, on Christmas Day 1956.
He captained Wellington in 1953-1954 and 1961-1962 when John Reid, Wellington"s captain from 1951-1952 to 1964-1965, was touring South Africa with the Test team After the season Vance retired from first-class cricket.
He was chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council from 1978 to 1987, and managed the New Zealand cricket team in England in 1986. The R. A. Vance Stand at Basin Reserve in Wellington, built in 1979-1980, is named in his honour.