Rugby: Former Taranaki rugby boss lands top NZR role

Former Taranaki Rugby chief executive Michael Collins has been appointed New Zealand Rugby's new chief rugby officer.

New Zealand Rugby announced Collins' appointment on Thursday, with the former Taranaki and Chiefs administrator set to begin the role in September.

Collins will oversee NZR's professional rugby operations, community rugby, tournaments and competitions, while also managing key stakeholder relationships across the game.

The appointment marks another milestone in Collins' rugby administration career after leading the Taranaki Rugby Football Union from 2013 before becoming chief executive of the Chiefs in 2017.

During his time in Taranaki, the union enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history, winning the NPC Premiership and lifting the Ranfurly Shield in 2014.

Collins has most recently served as director of sport at Bond University on Australia's Gold Coast and has also been an independent member of the Super Rugby Pacific board.

NZR chief executive Steve Lancaster said Collins brought extensive experience from both the community and professional levels of the game.

"Mike is a highly regarded leader with a huge amount of experience and success across both community and high-performance rugby. He has a strong and exciting vision that aligns with our all-of-game strategy.

"This is a critical role for NZR and Mike will lead a connected New Zealand rugby system which maintains a thriving community game and connects the structures that support our professional environments. It's a broad and significant remit, one we know that Mike is committed to and well-equipped to advance."

Collins said he was honoured to take on the role.

"It is an honour to be given this opportunity and it's a role I don't take lightly.

"I've been lucky enough to see this game from a lot of different angles – as a player in the amateur and professional eras, in game development, in high performance, and leadership positions with the Taranaki Rugby Union and the Gallagher Chiefs.

"Every one of those experiences has shaped how I think about what New Zealand rugby needs to keep thriving. I'm looking forward to listening, learning quickly, and working with everyone across the game to help us go where we need to go."

Before moving into administration, Collins played 82 matches for the Chiefs, including captaining the side during the 1999 Super Rugby season. He also made 73 appearances for Waikato in the National Provincial Championship before later playing for London Irish and Glasgow Warriors.

Collins joins NZR's executive team alongside recently appointed chief financial officer Chris Kinraid and chief commercial officer Chris Brown. Incoming high performance director Don Tricker is due to start in November.