High‑performance events, high‑reliability planning
Major fixtures such as test matches and international tours introduce additional complexity – more travel, more games, more risk. This year, NZR’s men’s programme includes a high‑stakes tour to South Africa followed by a Northern Hemisphere Nations Cup, with a World Cup to follow in 2027.
Behind the scenes, NZR’s test match, competitions and tournaments team runs military‑style planning, bringing together all parts of the rugby system involved in staging big events. From stadium set‑up and partner engagement to “all of your medical control,” detailed project planning ensures everyone knows their role and the resources required to operate safely.
Grimshaw sees this operational discipline as its own form of high performance – the off‑field equivalent of what happens on the pitch – and points to it as one of the highlights of working at NZR.
The HR lens: safety, performance and purpose
Despite the demanding nature of the work, Grimshaw says staff see it as a privilege to operate in a high‑performance environment with such visible impact, from elite tests down to grassroots clubs.
Her role illustrates how modern HR in high‑risk, high‑profile sectors is evolving: beyond compliance and traditional people operations into integrated oversight of physical safety, mental health, culture and event execution. For HR leaders in any industry, NZR’s example underscores three key lessons: