After a pivotal six-month interim period at the helm, Steve Lancaster has clinched the role of permanent chief executive for NZ Rugby. Initially stepping in on a temporary basis, the ex-Crusaders lock and seasoned sports administrator has now been handed the reins full-time. Lancaster, who joined the NZ Rugby executive team in 2020 and has been steering the ship of community rugby since 2016, has evidently made the cut for the long haul.
NZ Rugby's chairman, David Kirk, expressed that the board took a measured approach in their selection process, ensuring they picked a candidate who not only filled the role but excelled in it.
"[He] had demonstrated exceptional leadership and was highly trusted by the board,"
Kirk remarked, signaling strong confidence in their decision. Throughout his interim tenure, Lancaster has been pivotal in key appointments including the new All Blacks head coach and several top-level executives across various departments.Lancaster's robust experience spans over two decades in sports administration with notable roles at NZ Rugby, the Crusaders, Rugby Canada, and even Netball New Zealand. At 48, his career portfolio also includes a board directorship at Oceania Rugby. Reflecting on his permanent appointment, Lancaster didn't hide his enthusiasm or the weight of responsibility he felt.
"It’s an honour to be offered the position,"
he stated. He further emphasized the integral role of rugby in fostering community and national spirit. "There’s so much good that’s good about rugby. It’s good for young people, it’s good for communities and it’s good for the country. We need to celebrate that as a game and as New Zealanders," Lancaster added.Lancaster is keen on leveraging New Zealand's unique position in the rugby world, highlighting the country's deep-rooted rugby culture and commitment to the sport. "As an organisation, we’re focused on harnessing our unique point of difference in the world of rugby. We’re a small country, and we have deep rugby DNA and care for the game. If we can work together as a rugby system then anything is achievable, and that’s really special," he concluded.