New Zealand Rugby’s commercial board takes shape

Former All Black captain Richie McCaw and former Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy join New Zealand Rugby Commercial board chaired by Sydney-based businessman Ian Narev.

Richie McCaw is part of the New Zealand Rugby Commercial board.
Photo: AFP

The NZRC board will be made up of nine directors.

McCaw is the New Zealand Rugby Players Association representative, Reddy is an NZR board director, media entrepreneur and NZR board director Bailey Mackey have also been appointed alongside NZR chief executive Mark Robinson and Silver Lake managing directors Stephen Evans and Simon Patterson.

Two independent directors are still to be appointed.

Ian Narev will chair the New Zealand Rugby Commercial board.
Photo: supplied

In his role as chair, Narev, who is currently chief executive officer of employment website SEEK, will lead the board and together with the other directors to oversee NZRC’s business, focus on strategy, and support the executive team of NZRC.

“I have been a die-hard rugby fan since first watching the All Blacks on a black and white TV in the 1970s. As digital technologies present opportunities for rugby fans in New Zealand and overseas, I am greatly looking forward to working with NZRC’s management team and all stakeholders of rugby in New Zealand,” Narev said.

Robinson said the board appointments were “an important milestone”.

“…we are excited about the business acumen, technology expertise and deep understanding of rugby we have on the board. Ian’s passion for rugby alongside his commercial skills will be extremely valuable and we are looking forward to working with him.”

The board will approve the new commercial strategy and the business plan including commercial goals, plans and targets, to be in place in early 2023.