Latest news with #DavidKirk
BreakingNews.ie
09-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson resigns
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. Advertisement 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' Advertisement In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. Advertisement 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. Advertisement His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.
News24
09-06-2025
- Sport
- News24
Former All Blacks captain ‘Super Stu' Wilson dies aged 70
Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson, recognised as one of New Zealand's finest wings, has died at 70. Admired internationally for his smooth style, skill, and leadership, Wilson earned the nickname 'Super Stu. Former team-mates and opponents like David Kirk, Murray Mexted and David Campese hailed Wilson's contributions, highlighting his flair, humour, and passion for the game. For more rugby news, visit our dedicated section. Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson has died aged 70, with New Zealand Rugby leading the tributes to 'one of the finest wings to have played the game'. Wilson was known as one of New Zealand's most scintillating wings of the amateur era, scoring 51 tries in 85 All Blacks matches, including 34 Tests. He died on Sunday, New Zealand Rugby said in a statement. New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk, who played alongside Wilson, said he would be deeply missed. 'Stu was one of the finest wings to have played the game and one of rugby's most memorable characters,' Kirk said. 'He took a light-hearted approach to life but was deeply passionate and serious about representing his country. 'At his best, he was nearly unstoppable with the ball in hand and was respected by his peers and opponents across the world.' Our thoughts are with the whānau and loved ones of Stu Wilson, All Black #772, All Blacks captain, and try-scoring sensation, who passed away aged 70. Stu was a mesmerising wing who represented the All Blacks 85 times including 34 Tests between 1976 and 1983 and scored an… — All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 8, 2025 Former All Blacks team-mate Murray Mexted said it was a 'hell of a shock'. 'He was high-spirited in a really lovely way, you never had a dull Stu Wilson and he lived life with a smile on his face,' he told national broadcaster RNZ. Mexted praised Wilson's playing style. 'He was elusive and smooth, he was cool as a cucumber on the field,' Mexted said. 'We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player. He just seemed to slide through gaps effortlessly.' Wallabies legend David Campese said Wilson was the benchmark in world wing play when he started his career. 'As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983,' Campese told Planet Rugby. 'He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine. 'But it was off the field where Stu really entertained. His post-match career as a pundit and after-dinner speaker was hilariously funny and his tales would leave the audience rolling with laughter.' New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Wilson was ahead of his time in the way he played. 'His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation,' Robinson said. 'In retirement, he was a positive and respected public voice for rugby and continued to stay connected to both his club and his province.' Robinson, meanwhile, announced his surprise resignation on Monday, saying he will step down at the end of the year. The former All Black has led the organisation for the past six years, navigating the through the financial challenges of the Covid pandemic. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures,' Robinson said. 'I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future.' Robinson said he will move to Australia at the end of 2025, so he can spend more time with his family. — All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 8, 2025
The Independent
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson resigns
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) chief executive Mark Robinson has resigned and will officially leave his post at the end of 2025, the organisation has announced. NZR chairman David Kirk thanked Robinson for his 'great service' to the organisation and the sport over six years. 'On behalf of the Board, I'd like to recognise Mark for his great service to NZR and the sport,' he said in a statement. 'He has led with a passion for rugby and we thank him for his commitment over the past six years. 'Mark has driven significant change, both in New Zealand and internationally, and the Board believes the organisation is well-placed to capitalise on this. Of note was his leadership through a global pandemic that saw the game deal with an unprecedented crisis.' He added: 'Mark will continue to lead for the remainder of the year as we conclude key projects, and the Board will now commence recruitment for the new role.' In a statement, Robinson said he was leaving the role to join his wife and children, who have relocated to Australia. 'My family have been based in Australia for the last few months with all three of my children studying there,' he said. 'My wife is already there supporting them and, ultimately, I will be joining them early next year. 'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures. I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future. 'Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby and that opportunity has been an easy motivator for me every single day, from the community game right through to the international level.' The 51-year-old called his tenure a 'privilege' and said his focus was on 'supporting the Board and leading the organisation through a pivotal year, including ensuring the Black Ferns have the support they need to defend the Rugby World Cup in England'. He added: 'We also remain focused on implementing a new financial model for the game in New Zealand and completing the remaining work on what will be an exciting future international calendar.' Robinson took up the role in January 2020, having previously served on the organisation's board for seven years. His playing career included nine Tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2002 and appearances for the Bristol Bears and Japanese side Kobelco Steelers.
RNZ News
08-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson steps down after six years
NZR CEO Mark Robinson. Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has stepped down from the top job. Robinson has been chief executive since January 2020, replacing Steve Tew who had held the job since 2008. His departure comes following major changes at board level, with David Kirk taking over as the new chair. In a statement Kirk acknowledged Robinson's "great service to NZR and the sport". RNZ sports reporter Joe Porter is in the Wellington studio.
RNZ News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Sports News for 9 May 2025
Former All Blacks captain and newly appointed New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk says maintaining player numbers remains the sports biggest challenge. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
