| VACANCIES

Location: Nelson / Marlborough (Te Tauihu)

Sector:  Executive Sports Administration / Sports Management

Applications close:  31 October 2026

Shape the Future of Rugby Across the Top of the South

Tasman Rugby Union (TRU) is one of New Zealand’s most progressive, successful, and dynamic sporting organisations. Home of the two-time NPC champion Tasman Mako and the Mako FPC, TRU unites a passionate rugby heartland spanning Nelson, Marlborough, and the wider Tasman region.

With elite on-field success firmly established, TRU is embarking on an exciting period of strategic alignment, operational transformation, and infrastructure delivery. The Board of Directors is seeking an experienced, high-calibre Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through this pivotal chapter.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Board Chair, the CEO will hold overall accountability for the strategic vision, commercial sustainability, and community vibrancy of rugby across the union.

This is a comprehensive leadership remit tailored for a seasoned sports administrator capable of balancing professional, high-performance imperatives with the health and vitality of the grassroots game.

Key strategic priorities include:

• Strategic Plan 2032 Execution: Finalise, operationalise, and embed the long-term vision and performance frameworks across all facets of the Union.
• Major Infrastructure & Civic Projects: Lead crucial commercial negotiations and delivery milestones.
• Commercial Growth & Major Events: Broaden and diversify revenue streams, commercial partnerships, and regional event hosting opportunities—including positioning the region for the 2029 British & Irish Lions Tour.
• Grassroots Revitalisation: Drive the rollout and champion community participation across junior, school, women’s, and volunteer rugby.
• High-Performance Alignment: Partner with the Director of Rugby to oversee player contracting structures and development pathways heading into the HP contracting cycle.
• Culture & People: Embed a values-driven, high-trust workplace culture where staff across community, commercial, and professional operations thrive.

About You

We are seeking a strategic, commercially astute executive with a proven track record in sports administration, high performance,provincial rugby, or complex multi-stakeholder leadership.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Senior Executive Track Record: Demonstrated success as a CEO, GM, or senior director within professional sports bodies, provincial unions, or commercially driven member organisations.
• Deep Rugby Knowledge: A thorough understanding of New Zealand’s provincial rugby ecosystem, NZR governance frameworks, Super Rugby relationships, and grassroots club operations.
• Commercial & Negotiating Acumen: Proven experience securing major commercial partnerships, managing substantial multi-tiered operational budgets, and negotiating complex civic or local government agreements.
• Inspirational People Leadership: Modern leadership capability focused on capability building, accountability, psychological safety, and clear KPI delivery.
• Exceptional Relationship & Stakeholder Skills: High credibility and authenticity across diverse stakeholder groups, including clubs, schools, commercial partners, Iwi, Pasifika communities, civic authorities, and national bodies.

Why Tasman?

This role offers a rare executive opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on regional and national rugby. Based in one of New Zealand’s most desirable lifestyle regions—renowned for its sunshine, outdoor recreation, and vibrant communities—you will lead an organisation with a strong brand, passionate supporters, and significant future potential.

To Apply or Enquire

For a confidential discussion or to request the complete Position Description, please contact:

The Board Chair, Ryan Glover Tasman Rugby Union

Email: ryanglvr@gmail.com

Phone: +64 21 930 604

Applications close: 31 October 2026

Location: Nelson / Marlborough (Te Tauihu)

Position Type: Governance / Board Member (Voluntary, reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Closing Date: 5:00 PM, Friday 23 October

About Us

Tasman Rugby Union Incorporated is responsible for the leadership, governance, and custodianship of rugby across Te Tauihu (Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough). From grassroots clubs, schools, and community development to our premier representative sides—the Tasman Mako in the NPC and Farah Palmer Cup TRU plays a central role in connecting and inspiring our regional communities.

Operating within a dynamic national and regional sports landscape, the TRU Board is focused on delivering a refreshed strategic plan, strengthening commercial revenue, enhancing high-performance pathways, and ensuring sustainable community participation.

The Opportunity

The TRU Board is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified governance professionals or senior executives to join as an Independent Director.

The Board is responsible for:

• Setting strategic direction and overseeing organisational performance.
• Safeguarding the financial sustainability and integrity of the Union.
• Monitoring risk and ensuring modern, robust governance practices.
•  Upholding strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clubs, provincial unions, New Zealand Rugby, commercial partners, and local communities.

Independent Directors bring objective judgment and strategic insight free from representation of any single club or sub-union, ensuring decisions advance the best interests of the game across the whole of Te Tauihu.

Skills & Expertise Sought

Based on the Board’s Skills and Expertise Framework, applications are particularly welcome from candidates offering strength in one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial Strategy & Revenue Generation: Diversifying revenue streams, partnership development, and commercial sponsorship.
• Financial & Risk Governance: Risk frameworks, compliance, and fiscal oversight.
• High-Performance Pathways: Deep understanding of modern sporting environments and athlete development.
• Marketing & Digital Communications: Brand engagement, modern media platforms, and fan engagement strategies.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering collaboration across community, civic, and regional networks.

Prior governance experience on commercial or not-for-profit boards is not essential.

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

Tasman Rugby Union is committed to fostering a modern, inclusive governance culture that reflects the diverse communities of Te Tauihu and the evolving face of rugby across Aotearoa.

To ensure our leadership encompasses a broad spectrum of perspectives, insights, and lived experiences:

• We strongly encourage expressions of interest from wāhine (women) seeking governance opportunities in sport.
• We warmly welcome applications from Māori leaders who bring strong community connections, cultural insight, and an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles within contemporary organisational governance.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in confidence and should include:

1. A tailored Cover Letter detailing your governance experience and the specific expertise you bring to TRU.

2. A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).

3. Confirmation of your Independent Status (freedom from direct club delegate or sub-union conflicts).

4. Appointed Independent Status: Incumbents Tony Healey and Michael Parker are retiring and will not be seeking re-appointment.

Submit applications via email to:

Paul Dalzell, Appointments Panel Chair – Tasman Rugby Union Email: plfdalzell@xtra.co.nz

Phone: + 64 21 420 210

Applications close: 5:00 PM, Friday 23 October