NZR appoints Steve Lancaster as Chief Executive Officer

An experienced sporting leader, Lancaster has been NZR’s Interim CEO for the past six months.

NZR Chair David Kirk congratulated Lancaster on the appointment.

“The Board has been very deliberate in the recruitment of the CEO. It is a critical leadership role for rugby, and we have taken our time to make the right appointment.

“Steve has demonstrated exceptional leadership and is highly trusted by the Board. He brings strong experience at all levels of the game and understands the complex nature of the rugby system in New Zealand.”

Kirk added that Lancaster’s performance in the interim role was a key contributor to his appointment.

During Lancaster’s time as Interim CEO, NZR has appointed an All Black Head Coach and key commercial, finance and high performance executives.

“Steve has shown he has the capability and credibility to lead NZR through complexity and change, said Kirk.

“He has a strong vision for the game and understands our need to drive winning teams, while balancing the importance of the community game.

“As a Board, we believe that Steve’s appointment and leadership of a highly-capable executive team sets the organisation up for long-term success and will have strong support across the domestic and global rugby landscape.”

Before his role as Interim CEO, Lancaster has led the community game in New Zealand as the General Manager, Community Rugby since 2016.

A former professional rugby player with the Crusaders, Lancaster has both domestic and international experience across various sports and has been on the NZR Executive since 2020.

Lancaster said it was a privilege to continue leading the sport.

“It’s been a privilege for the six months I’ve had this opportunity. I fully understand the responsibility that comes with the role and it’s an honour to be offered the position.

“There’s so much good that’s good about rugby. It’s good for young people, it’s good for communities and it’s good for the country. We need to celebrate that as a game and as New Zealanders.

“As an organisation, we’re focused on harnessing our unique point of difference in the world of rugby. We’re a small country, and we have deep rugby DNA and care for the game. If we can work together as a rugby system then anything is achievable, and that’s really special.”

About Steve Lancaster

Steve has been serving as Interim CEO since October 2025, on the NZR Executive team since 2020 and has led Community Rugby in New Zealand since 2016. Under his leadership, NZR has increased its investment into the Provincial Unions and community game to $40m annually and driven key developments to ensure rugby remains a relevant and rewarding sport for participants. A former Crusaders lock, Steve has been involved in sports administration for over 20 years, including High Performance roles at NZR, Crusaders, Rugby Canada and Netball New Zealand. He has provided global leadership on rugby, including as a Board Director with Oceania Rugby.