- Shape rugby's global future while honouring its heritage
- Champion Te Ara Rangatira values across every level of the game
- Apply your global leadership expertise to rugby's premier stage
Inspire and Unify through Rugby
New Zealand Rugby is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer through a period of significant transformation and growth. Following some change within New Zealand Rugby, including the integration of commercial and rugby operations at the executive level, NZR is entering a new chapter requiring outstanding leadership on the national and global stages.
About New Zealand Rugby
Rugby is a key part of New Zealand's identity and global reputation, fostering pride, unity and cultural expression. As one of New Zealand's largest sports organisations, NZR leads, supports, grows and promotes the game at all levels - from community rugby through to Teams in Black.
The Opportunity
This position requires someone with exceptional leadership skills, character and values that reflect rugby's unique place in New Zealand's cultural identity, while driving sustainable commercial and brand growth. The role will operate on the world stage while remaining deeply connected to grassroots rugby.
“Lead a global business and foster a thriving community game.” - David Kirk, Chair, NZR
The CEO must navigate complex stakeholder relationships, drive commercial innovation and maintain rugby's position as New Zealand's national game. We are seeking a visionary leader who can honour rugby's rich heritage while positioning the sport for global success, and who understands that rugby's strength comes from its community foundations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading organisational integration and transformation
- Driving strategic execution and operational excellence
- Building stakeholder relationships across diverse communities
- Ensuring financial sustainability and commercial growth
- Championing The Rugby Way values and cultural authenticity
- Supporting Teams in Black to maintain world-leading performance
What Candidates Will Bring
- Exceptional commercial success in revenue optimization, media rights and sponsorship
- Executive leadership across complex, multi-stakeholder organizations with proven results
- Transformational change delivery in large-scale organizational environments
- Board-level governance expertise with sophisticated financial management capabilities
- Sports, membership or not-for-profit sector experience preferred
The position is likely to be located in Auckland.
A competitive package will be offered to attract exceptional leadership talent capable of delivering on both global commercial objectives and community rugby development across New Zealand's largest sports organisation.
New Zealand Rugby is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.