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New Zealand Rugby announce former All Black Mark Robinson as new CEO

New NZR chief executive Mark Robinson in action for the All Blacks in 2000. (Photo by Ross Setford/Getty Images)

NZ Herald

Former All Black, New Zealand Rugby director, World Rugby Councillor and businessman Mark Robinson has been appointed the new CEO of New Zealand Rugby.

NZ Rugby (NZR) board chair Brent Impey announced Robinson’s appointment following an intense recruitment process over the past two months. Robinson, 45, officially takes up his new role in early January 2020, taking over from outgoing CEO Steve Tew, who announced in June, that he was standing down.

“We are delighted that Mark has put his hand up for this role. He has been an incredibly insightful director on the board, and at the international rugby table, he has been a sound and respected voice,” Impey said.

“This is a very exciting time as Mark starts to transition into the role, working closely with Steve at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“Mark will vacate his seat on the board when he officially starts, and his appointment also creates an extra seat on the World Rugby council which we will consider in due course.

“We were impressed with the internal and external applicants for this role. Steve Tew leaves behind some big shoes to fill, and Mark is more than capable of marking his own footprints.

“With fans consuming rugby in so many interesting and modern ways, with the future of our international competitions still being shaped, the evolution of the women’s game towards professionalism, the on and off field success of the All Blacks and the prospect of a new All Blacks coach – there’s never been a more perfect time for a new CEO to start.

“We congratulate Mark and Nova and welcome them again, to the New Zealand Rugby family.”

Robinson said he was excited by the opportunity the new role brings.

“I have really enjoyed my roles on the board and at World Rugby but I am truly excited by what this opportunity offers. I have a clear vision to continue to grow the great work already established under Steve’s watch and recognise the significant responsibility we have in ensuring our game continues to flourish at all levels.

“With 140 staff based around the country, world leading teams and competitions that traverse the entire calendar, I am humbled that the board believe I can help add to our legacy.

“There are some amazingly gifted, talented and hardworking people in and around New Zealand Rugby, and I am honoured to be given an opportunity to lead some of the best people in the world, in their field.

“There are exciting challenges ahead for rugby, and I look forward to working with the board and the entire team at New Zealand Rugby, to keep New Zealand Rugby at the front of hearts and minds of New Zealanders and black team fans all over the world.”

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.

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B
BeamMeUp 13 minutes ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

A few comments. Firstly, I am a Bok fan and it's been a golden period for us. I hope my fellow Bok fans appreciate this time and know that it cannot last forever, so soak it all in!


The other thing to mention (and this is targeted at Welsh, English and even Aussie supporters who might be feeling somewhat dejected) is that it's easy to forget that just before Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, the Boks were ranked 7th in the world and I had given up hope we'd ever be world beaters again.


Sport is a fickle thing and Rassie and his team have managed to get right whatever little things it takes to make a mediocre team great. I initially worried his methods might be short-lived (how many times can you raise a person's commitment by talking about his family and his love of his country as a motivator), but he seems to have found a way. After winning in 2019 on what was a very simple game plan, he has taken things up ever year - amazing work which has to be applauded! (Dankie Rassie! Ons wardeer wat jy vir die ondersteuners en die land doen!) (Google translate if you don't understand Afrikaans! 😁)


I don't think people outside South Africa fully comprehend the enormity of the impact seeing black and white, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and all the other hues playing together does for the country's sense of unity. It's pure joy and happiness.


This autumn tour has been a bit frustrating in that the Boks have won, but never all that convincingly. On the one hand, I'd like to have seen more decisive victories, BUT what Rassie has done is expose a huge number of players to test rugby, whilst also diversifying the way the Boks play (Tony Brown's influence).


This change of both style and personnel has resulted in a lack of cohesion at times and we've lost some of the control, whereas had we been playing our more traditional style, that wouldn't happen. This is partially attributable to the fact that you cannot play Tony Brown's expansive game whilst also having 3 players available at every contact point to clear the defence off the ball. I have enjoyed seeing the Boks play a more exciting, less attritional game, which is a boring, albeit effective spectacle. So, I am happy to be patient, because the end justifies the means (and I trust Rassie!). Hopefully all these players we are blooding will give us incredible options for substitutions come next year's Rugby Championship and of course, the big prize in 2027.


Last point! The game of rugby has never been as exciting as it is now. Any of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Argentina, Scotland, England & Australia can beat one another. South Africa may be ranked #1, but I wouldn't bet my house in them beating France or New Zealand, and we saw Argentina beating both South Africa and New Zealand this year! That's wonderful for the game and makes the victories we do get all the sweeter. Each win is 100% earned. Long may it last!


Sorry for the long post! 🏉🌍

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