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."
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