Steve Lancaster takes on NZ Rugby CEO role
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Former Crusaders lock and current interim boss Steve Lancaster has been confirmed as the New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive
Lancaster has been the stand-in leader for the past six months at NZR, following the departure of previous CEO Mark Robinson.
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"The board has been very deliberate in the recruitment of the CEO. It is a critical leadership role for rugby, and we have taken our time to make the right appointment," said New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk.
"Steve has demonstrated exceptional leadership and is highly trusted by the board. He brings strong experience at all levels of the game and understands the complex nature of the rugby system in New Zealand."
Lancaster has had a lengthy career as a sports administrator. He was head of high performance at the Crusaders between 2006 and 2012, and then at Rugby Canada.
He then joined Netball New Zealand in a similar role for two years, before joining New Zealand Rugby as general manager, community rugby in 2016.
He also played the game to a high level, fronting for the Crusaders as a lock between 1997 and 2000.
"It's been a privilege for the six months I've had this opportunity," said Lancaster.
"I fully understand the responsibility that comes with the role and it's an honour to be offered the position.
"As an organisation, we're focused on harnessing our unique point of difference in the world of rugby. We're a small country, and we have deep rugby DNA and care for the game. If we can work together as a rugby system then anything is achievable, and that's really special."
Manwhile Lancaster's appointment was confirmed as New Zealand Rugby released its latest financial results at the organisation's annual general meeting in Wellington, revealing a net loss of $7.5 million for 2025 despite record income.
NZR reported total income of $304.2 million, driven by increased sponsorship and match-day revenue as well as a one-off settlement linked to the INEOS contract.
Against a challenging economic backdrop, Kirk said the organisation were able to achieve an operating profit of $700,000.
