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Sport Nation
Mark Robinson resigns as CEO of New Zealand Rugby
Sport Nation • June 9th, 2025 9:30 am
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Mark Robinson has announced he's stepping down as chief executive of New Zealand Rugby.
Robinson has been at the helm since 2020, when he took over the position from Steve Tew.
He'll remain in the role until the end of 2025.
The former All Blacks midfielder's exit comes after some major change at board level, with David Kirk having stepped in as chairman.
“He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years," Kirk said in a statement.
“We also understand Mark’s desire to relocate to Australia where his family are now all living. He will go with our best wishes when he moves there at the end of this year.
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“Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.”
Robinson has cited his desire to move to Australia to be closer to his family as one of the primary reasons for his decision. His three children are currently studying across the ditch, with his wife set to join them shortly.
Robinson says he's proud of his contribution during a tumultuous period for the sport in Aotearoa.
"The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures," he said.
I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future.
"Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.
“I have had the privilege of leading an amazing group of people at NZR who have a huge amount of care for the game. There’s a deep hunger to get better every day no matter how well we think we are doing and that drive sits right across every person working for NZR, our competitions and our national teams.”
More to come
