Does your Provincial Union or Super Rugby Club have a vacancy?
Please email jobs@nzrugby.co.nz to list it below
We’re looking for an experienced leader with a strong background in marketing, events or entertainment, a sharp focus on fans & customers, and a proven ability to drive business growth.
ABOUT THE BLUES:
The Blues are a Professional Rugby team based in Auckland, New Zealand that compete in the Super Rugby Pacific (Men’s) and Super Rugby Aupiki (Women’s) competitions. They are one of the most successful teams in Super Rugby history, having won the competition in its first two seasons, 1996 and 1997, and again in 2003 and 2024.
The purpose of the Blues is to create Blue Pride throughout the region. They strive to bring this to life through their mindset that; people matter, connections matter and performance matters
ROLE SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Board, the CEO will be responsible for elevating the Blues brand nationally and globally, building sustainable commercial partnerships, and ensuring the organisation’s strategic goals are achieved. Central to this role is maintaining a world-class high-performance rugby programme that delivers strong results for both fans and shareholders.
You will lead the continued evolution of the Blues’ strategy, grow the portfolio of commercial partners, and maximise media and brand opportunities to increase reach, engagement, and match day revenue. A key priority will be enhancing the match day and overall fan experience, driving a more fan-centric, customer-focused approach both within the Blues and across the wider rugby system.
As a senior leader in New Zealand rugby, you will provide vision and leadership for the sport in the region, represent the Blues with distinction on domestic and international stages, and ensure compliance with all obligations under the Licence Agreement with New Zealand Rugby.
ABOUT YOU:
· - Proven senior experience in a customer focused commercial brand within the private sector or in a similar sized business within events or entertainment in NZ or abroad.
- - Strong commercial acumen with a successful track record for delivering innovative growth and commercial development strategies.
· - Deep understanding of best practice principals in brand, product development, marketing, digital/online, and consumer experience.
· - Ability to challenge status quo through the development of new ideas and initiatives.
· - An accomplished people leader with a proven ability to develop highly engaged teams and a performance orientated culture that delivers superior performance.
· - Proven financial, margin management commercial capabilities including a track record of successful P&L management.
· - Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation abilities, including a track record of building strong relationships and a proven ability to engage external customers
- A - A strong working knowledge of professional sport and a passion for Rugby is preferred.
Lead one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting brands, driving a fan-first strategy that delivers long-term sustainability, commercial success, and high performance both on and off the field!
APPLICATIONS CLOSE – Tuesday 26th August 2025
TO APPLY
Please send your resume with cover letter to: richard@globalelitesports.com
Global Elite Sports (www.globalelitesports.com) have been contracted exclusively on behalf of The Blues to undertake this executive search assignment.
New Zealand Heartland XV Medical Vacancies
The New Zealand Heartland XV is a national team selected from eligible players playing their rugby in the 12 Heartland Provincial Unions. The 2025 campaign will see the team tour Samoa and celebrate the enduring rugby relationship between Samoa and New Zealand. This will be a special 13-day campaign for players and management. The tour will feature two thrilling matches:
New Zealand Heartland 2025 XV Schedule (kick-off times to be confirmed)
- Tuesday, 4 November: President’s XV vs NZ Heartland XV
The New Zealand Heartland XV will take on Samoa’s President’s XV, a team featuring the best of Samoa’s emerging and experienced players.
- Saturday, 8 November: Manuma Samoa vs NZ Heartland XV
The Heartland XV will face Manuma Samoa, Samoa’s Second National XV rugby team, in what promises to be an unforgettable clash, and the winner will take home the President’s Cup.
Two roles making up the Medical Team for the campaign are now being advertised - Team Doctor and Team Physiotherapist.
Team Doctor
The Team Doctor will lead the provision and management of medical services to players and team management. They will work closely with management to achieve the objectives set for the team. This role requires a close working relationship with NZR and Team Physiotherapist to ensure a co-ordinated planned approach to medical services provided to the team.
The appointment is for a two-year term with an annual review period.
Team Physiotherapist
The Team Physiotherapist is responsible for the provision of physiotherapy and injury management services to the team. They will work closely to support the Coaching management group and Team Doctor. The role requires ensuring that the players receive necessary and appropriate physiotherapy, treatment and management advice.
About the preferred candidate
- The successful candidates for the above roles must be an ICIR qualified medical provider in line with the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship Competition Manual 2025.
- Successful candidates are preferred to be a part of the management team of a 2025 Bunnings Heartland Championship team.
- For these roles, a strong empathy for the values which underpin rugby in New Zealand will need to be demonstrated, as will high levels of integrity, passion, and a competitive drive.
- The roles will be on a fixed term contract, paid a per day rate for the number of days assembled.
Apply Now
Please include a cover letter, CV and an indication of the role you are applying for. Applications close Sunday 24th August 2025.
Applications are to be forwarded to Ivana Samani at ivana.samani@nzrugby.co.nz.
Mount Maunganui, Auckland | Full-time, Permanent | Relationship & Strategy Focused
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Are you a strategic relationship-builder with a passion for purpose?
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Inc is seeking a dynamic and driven Partnerships Manager to lead and grow our corporate partnership programme.
About the Role
As a key member of our Partnership And Engagement team, you’ll play a pivotal role in managing partnerships. This isn’t just an account management role; it’s an opportunity to lead meaningful relationships that directly support the community.
Your focus will be on:
What You’ll Bring:
We’re looking for someone who is proactive, strategic, and passionate about providing opportunities for our community. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, work well independently, and bring warmth, professionalism, and energy to every interaction.
To succeed, you’ll need:
We offer:
A detailed Job description and any questions can be sent through to leah@bopru.co.nz and any applications are to go through Partnership Manager Job in Tauranga Central, Bay of Plenty - SEEK