mark robinson Reflects on Challenging Tenure as NZ rugby CEO

Mark Robinson is content with the legacy he’s leaving as CEO of New Zealand Rugby,despite a turbulent period marked by significant challenges. He recently shared his thoughts with Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB’s Weekend Sport, acknowledging the immense pressure the role entailed.

“There’s no doubt it was by far the most challenging thing that I’d ever encountered personally,” Robinson said. “It was probably the most challenging thing rugby had ever encountered, sport for that matter.”

Robinson’s time as CEO wasn’t without its difficulties. He navigated sponsor upheaval, notably the departure of Ineos from their six-year, $21 million-a-year deal. On the field, the Black Ferns celebrated a home World Cup victory, while the All Blacks narrowly missed winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, losing by just one point – a result that sparked intense public debate about the All Blacks’ coaching.

He expressed pride in how the organization weathered the storm. “As I look back, I’m really proud with how we came through that. I don’t think people can appreciate the things we were weighing up and having to consider on a daily basis across those sort of two-and-a-half years,” he explained. “We’ve come out the other side of it and I’m sure the new leadership coming into the role will very much be focused on going forward. But it was a tough time.”

Six months after Robinson announced his departure, a permanent replacement hasn’t been named. Steve Lancaster, currently the general manager of community rugby, will take on the role in an interim capacity. Sources indicate that Tom harrison, the current boss of Six Nations and former head of the England and Wales Cricket Board, is a strong contender for the position.

Robinson’s exit aligns with broader changes within the organization, including the appointment of David Kirk as the new chair.