Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
‘Best man for the job’: Why Kirk backs Lancaster's NZR CEO appointment
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • May 7th, 2026 5:08 pm
New Zealand Rugby Chair David Kirk | Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
Following a lengthy interview process and a global search, New Zealand Rugby chair and All Black great David Kirk assures Steve Lancaster is “the best man for the job.”
Kirk told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy on Thursday “we employed a consultancy to help us look far and wide all around the world for a potential next CEO of New Zealand Rugby."
Lancaster was given the opportunity as the interim CEO following Mark Robertson's departure and hasn't looked back, grabbing the opportunity with both hands.
“He's really impressed us. He's done a great job. He's got a clear understanding of the priorities and a great way of working with people to get things done.
“Steve has convinced us through his taking on the role of interim in the last six months, and we're very happy to make the appointment.
“He's just showing he understands the business and he understands the requirements.”
Steve Lancaster | Photo: Alan Lee/Photosport
Kirk believes one area where Lancaster has “out performed” is running the organisation effectively.
He said Lancaster has a clear strategy with four major priorities; “our teams in black winning, to have a thriving community game, to be a successful business, and for all our stakeholders and partners to be aligned, engaged, and working together.
“We're on a journey. Change is happening.”
Under Lancaster's leadership, NZR are also focused on getting young people interested in the game - an ongoing challenge with the evolution of social media and more sports vying for attention than ever before.
“I think that is the biggest challenge of all and it's not just a rugby challenge, it's a social challenge about how we get young people engaging in team sports generally," Kirk said.
Listen to the full interview below:
