New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have appointed former Chiefs and Waikato player Michael Collins as their new chief rugby officer (CRO).
This is the latest big appointment made at the top of NZR, following the additions of new chief financial officer Chris Kinraid and chief commercial officer Chris Brown. Elsewhere, NZR have also appointed Don Tricker as their high performance director, with him beginning his role in November, and are in the final stages of recruitment for an executive-level Kaihautū Māori.
In this role, Collins will lead NZR’s professional rugby operations, tournaments and competitions, community rugby, and management of key stakeholder relationships and agreements across the game, while also working with Tricker to ensure NZR’s performance system is supported and connected.
NZR make latest key appointment as Michael Collins becomes chief rugby officer
The former player, who played 82 times for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and 73 times for Waikato at National Provincial Cup (NPC) level, is no stranger to rugby administration after becoming CEO of Taranaki Rugby in 2013, and was also appointed to the same role with the Chiefs in 2017.
He is also an independent member on the Super Rugby board.
Commenting on his appointment, NZR CEO, Steve Lancaster, said: “Mike is a highly regarded leader with a huge amount of experience and success across both community and high-performance rugby. He has a strong and exciting vision that aligns with our all-of-game strategy.
“This is a critical role for NZR and Mike will lead a connected New Zealand rugby system which maintains a thriving community game and connects the structures that support our professional environments. It’s a broad and significant remit, one we know that Mike is committed to and well-equipped to advance.”
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On joining NZR as CRO, Collins added: “It is an honour to be given this opportunity and it’s a role I don’t take lightly. I’ve been lucky enough to see this game from a lot of different angles – as a player in the amateur and professional eras, in game development, in high performance, and leadership positions with the Taranaki Rugby Union and the Gallagher Chiefs.
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“Every one of those experiences has shaped how I think about what New Zealand rugby needs to keep thriving. I’m looking forward to listening, learning quickly, and working with everyone across the game to help us go where we need to go.”
He will officially begin his new position with the union in September.