
NZ Rugby chief executive resigns
Mark Robinson.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will leave the organisation at the end of the year.
Robinson took the role in January 2020, having previously spent seven years on the NZR board.
He was leaving to relocate to Australia early next year, where his family has been based in recent months, and where all three of his children are studying.
A nine-test All Black, Robinson said it had been "privilege" to lead NZR and believed its foundations were strong and well-placed for the future.
However, the 51-year-old acknowledged his tenure had its challenging times, which has brought with it significant scrutiny.
"That reflects the immense passion that so many Kiwis feel for our sport and the special place rugby has in our country," Robinson said in a release this morning.
"The fact people can come up to me, share their views and talk with incredible knowledge and depth of feeling is something we never want to take for granted.
"My focus now is on supporting the board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England. We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar."
NZR chairman David Kirk acknowledged Robinson's contribution to the organisation over his six years in the role.
"Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this," Kirk said.
"Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.
"We also understand Mark's desire to relocate to Australia where his family are now all living. He will go with our best wishes when he moves there at the end of this year. Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role."
- APL

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


NZ Herald
an hour ago
- NZ Herald
Kiwis working for longer as youth employment and older workforce rises
Working lives are getting longer as New Zealanders join the workforce earlier and work longer after retirement, according to Stats NZ. Census data shows almost one in two Kiwis between 65-69 years old were still employed in 2023, while the percentage of people aged 15 to 29 in employment


NZ Herald
3 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Rugby Championship gets fantasy treatment as New Zealand Rugby doubles down on fan engagement
Fans who enjoyed the first taste of Fantasy Super Rugby can strap themselves in for another round, with the Rugby Championship getting the same treatment later this year. Headed by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) – in collaboration with Sanzaar partners Australia, Argentina and South Africa – Fantasy Rugby Championship will


Otago Daily Times
6 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Chch-based former All Black turns eye to top cricketers
Daryl Gibson. Christchurch-based former All Black Daryl Gibson will take up a high performance role with New Zealand Cricket. Gibson, who played 19 Tests for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2002, has been appointed the new chief high performance officer for New Zealand Cricket. He takes up the position next month replacing Bryan Stronach, who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving the job. Gibson is currently the head of high performance coaching at High Performance Sport New Zealand. He has been involved in shaping the strategic direction of coaching across a wide variety of sports, supporting over 450 pathway coaches from elite to pre-high-performance levels. Christchurch-based with Canterbury roots, Gibson has led initiatives such as the Kia Manawanui coach programme, mentoring 15 elite coaches for Paris 2024 and overseeing targeted coach education programmes. After his playing days Gibson moved into coaching and assisted Fiji at the 2023 World Cup. "It's a real privilege to join NZC at a time of transformation - with a new head coach, a bold five-year strategic plan, and a playing culture that exemplifies a spirit of winning with mana," Gibson said. NZC chief executive Scott Weenink was delighted to sign Gibson, noting the breadth and depth of his high performance experience. "Daryl's experience as an All Black, combined with his strategic leadership within high performance coaching, and his educational expertise made him an outstanding candidate," said Weenink. "His ability to foster talent and build sustainable systems aligns perfectly with NZC's vision for the future.