Amidst a period of significant change, NZ Rugby's leadership is pushing for unprecedented levels of transparency and engagement. With new chair David Kirk spearheading the initiative following his appointment at the close of 2024 and the departure of former chief Mark Robinson, the organization is navigating its transformative phase. Interim CEO Steve Lancaster is holding the reins while the search for a permanent leader continues, alongside the filling of numerous high-performance roles.
Greg Barclay, who joined the NZ Rugby board around the same time as Kirk, brings a wealth of experience from his days at the helm of the International Cricket Council and as NZR’s voice on the World Rugby board. Under the previous leadership, the organization faced criticism for a lack of openness, an issue Barclay is keen to address. He emphasized the importance of visibility and communication in his recent discussion on DSPN with Martin Devlin.
"I don’t think the fans are remotely interested in seeing me but we’ve got to be accessible,"
he remarked, highlighting the necessity of being available to various stakeholders, from media personalities to the everyday pub-goer.
The recent shakeup within the All Blacks setup, including the dismissal of Scott Robertson and the appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach, underscores the broader strategic shifts within NZ Rugby. Barclay and his colleagues are committed to shaping the future of rugby in New Zealand through active participation and engagement at all levels of the sport.
"Everyone, from media to commercial to the guy with a pint in the corner of the bar, is a really important stakeholder in the game,"
Barclay noted.
According to Barclay, the board is fostering an environment ripe for robust debate and diverse viewpoints, all aimed at refining the strategic direction of NZ Rugby. "We’ve got a good board, everybody’s prepared to express their views. We had some pretty good discussions and debates, both in the boardroom and outside of the boardroom," he shared. The collective goal is clear: to ensure rugby not only remains at the pinnacle of New Zealand sports but also continues to evolve and enhance under their stewardship.
The leadership team at NZ Rugby, including Kirk, Lancaster, and the board, are determined to steer the sport into a new era, making decisions that will likely impact the game and its fans for years to come. With a solid plan in place, the focus is on unity and forward motion, ensuring that rugby maintains its revered status in New Zealand's sporting landscape.
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Amidst a period of significant change, NZ Rugby's leadership is pushing for unprecedented levels of transparency and engagement. With new chair David Kirk spearheading the initiative following his appointment at the close of 2024 and the departure of former chief Mark Robinson, the organization is navigating its transformative phase. Interim CEO Steve Lancaster is holding the reins while the search for a permanent leader continues, alongside the filling of numerous high-performance roles.
Greg Barclay, who joined the NZ Rugby board around the same time as Kirk, brings a wealth of experience from his days at the helm of the International Cricket Council and as NZR’s voice on the World Rugby board. Under the previous leadership, the organization faced criticism for a lack of openness, an issue Barclay is keen to address. He emphasized the importance of visibility and communication in his recent discussion on DSPN with Martin Devlin.
"I don’t think the fans are remotely interested in seeing me but we’ve got to be accessible,"
he remarked, highlighting the necessity of being available to various stakeholders, from media personalities to the everyday pub-goer.The recent shakeup within the All Blacks setup, including the dismissal of Scott Robertson and the appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach, underscores the broader strategic shifts within NZ Rugby. Barclay and his colleagues are committed to shaping the future of rugby in New Zealand through active participation and engagement at all levels of the sport.
"Everyone, from media to commercial to the guy with a pint in the corner of the bar, is a really important stakeholder in the game,"
Barclay noted.According to Barclay, the board is fostering an environment ripe for robust debate and diverse viewpoints, all aimed at refining the strategic direction of NZ Rugby. "We’ve got a good board, everybody’s prepared to express their views. We had some pretty good discussions and debates, both in the boardroom and outside of the boardroom," he shared. The collective goal is clear: to ensure rugby not only remains at the pinnacle of New Zealand sports but also continues to evolve and enhance under their stewardship.
The leadership team at NZ Rugby, including Kirk, Lancaster, and the board, are determined to steer the sport into a new era, making decisions that will likely impact the game and its fans for years to come. With a solid plan in place, the focus is on unity and forward motion, ensuring that rugby maintains its revered status in New Zealand's sporting landscape.