Chris Lendrum decides to step down after 20 years, organisation to evolve rugby structure

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum has decided to step down after 20 years of service to the organisation.

He will conclude his executive role at the end of May and will continue to support NZR in a consulting capacity on key professional rugby projects through to the end of 2026.

Lendrum has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern professional game in New Zealand, serving on the NZR Executive since 2020 with responsibility for men’s and women’s high performance, national tournaments and competitions, professional player management and Super Rugby Clubs.

During his tenure, Lendrum helped secure and retain leading players in an increasingly competitive global market, led significant investment into women’s high performance, and steered the professional game through and out of the unprecedented challenges of the Covid- 19 pandemic.

Interim CEO Steve Lancaster paid tribute to Lendrum’s long-standing contribution to the game.

“I have known Chris for almost his entire professional career, having first hired him into the professional rugby team at NZR 20 years ago. Over that period, he has grown into an internationally respected sporting leader and has made an enormous contribution to rugby in New Zealand.

“Chris has led with integrity and a deep care for the game and our people. He leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes. He has been involved in the discussions to evolve our High Performance leadership structure, and we know he will continue to contribute to rugby in the future.”

Lendrum said: 

“It’s been a huge privilege to be involved in New Zealand Rugby and our national teams for this long, and work alongside some incredible people across the game.

“Together, we’ve seen plenty of success, although sometimes we haven’t achieved goals that we and the country all wanted so dearly.

“There are too many highlights but I’m particularly proud of leading the organisation through the Black Ferns culture and environment review in 2021 which set the foundation for the incredible Rugby World Cup win a year later.

“As international rugby becomes increasingly competitive and complex, NZR now requires a singular focus on driving the success of our Teams in Black. I’m excited for their future.”

NZR to evolve rugby structure

Lancaster confirmed NZR will transition to a new rugby structure from the end of May.

“Our refreshed strategy has a clear focus on our national teams consistently winning, supported by strong performance pathways for players and coaches. As an organisation, we need to ensure we are set up to deliver this,” Lancaster said.

A new High Performance Director role has been established, with responsibility for the performance of national teams, particularly the All Blacks. The role will report to the CEO and also oversee NZR’s men’s and women’s high performance programmes.

A Chief Rugby Officer role has been created and will be filled by Lancaster at the conclusion of his appointment as Interim CEO. The role will oversee professional rugby operations, tournaments and competitions, community rugby, and manage key stakeholder relationships and agreements. The role will also report to the CEO.

Recruitment for the High Performance Director will commence immediately.