David Kirk, New Zealand’s winning captain from the first-ever World Cup, has been confirmed as the new NZR chairman, after a vote that saw one of the nine recommended nominees rejected.
Kirk, a former NZ players association chief, lifted the World Cup in 1987 as All Blacks halfback. He retired from the sport shortly after, aged 26, and launched a successful business career.
Eight of the nine people put forward by the NZR Appointments and Remuneration Panel were confirmed, with former Otago chair and current board member Rowena Davenport not ratified.
New Zealand’s 26 provincial unions, and the Māori Rugby Board, had the final say on whether the proposed new board members would be ratified.
The New Zealand Herald reported that provincial unions did not vote Davenport to continue on the board as many believe she did not act in their best interests during her last three-year term.
The NZR Board members who will take office in the New Year are:
- Caren Rangi ONZM
- Catherine Savage
- David Kirk MBE (Chair-elect)
- Doug Jones
- Grant Jarrold
- Greg Barclay
- Julia Raue
- Keven Mealamu MNZM
In a statement, the appointments panel chair Rachel Taulelei said: “We are over the moon to have eight exceptional candidates ratified for appointment to the NZR Board.
“They are extremely capable, motivated and ready to start a new chapter for the organisation and game. The process has been challenging, but rewarding, and the result is testament to everyone’s commitment to move forward positively.
“Our only disappointment is that Rowena Davenport’s appointment was not ratified. Rowena has contributed an immense amount to the Board and to the game, and we felt her skills and experience complemented the rest of the Board well.”
A process will be run as soon as practicable in early 2025 to appoint a ninth and final Board member.
The candidate must have provincial union governance experience and, to meet diversity targets, be female.
Davenport’s rejection also means all five previous provincial union board representatives – Bailey MacKey, Stu Mather, Ajit Balasingham and Wayne Young – are not returning to the new NZR board.
Davenport said in the statement: “While naturally I’m disappointed by the outcome, I remain committed to the organisation and future of New Zealand rugby. I joined the Board with great optimism, and it’s that perspective I take forward.
Mark Robinson. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
“The appointments panel ran an incredibly well-managed and robust process, and the eight ratified Directors are outstanding. I’m excited for what they will bring to NZR and have no doubt they will be able to pick up the mantle quickly and with great effect.”
Kirk’s ascension to chair comes after he was pitted against the NZR board in his position as NZ Players’ Association chief.
Before the deal with US private equity firm Silver Lake was sealed in June 2022, the relationship between NZ Rugby and the Players’ Association, was at all-time low.
There was conflict with NZR CEO Mark Robinson at the time, and Kirk’s appointment – where he will oversee the staff of NZR – could prove problematic for Robinson, a staunch supporter of the Silver Lake deal.
Robinson said he got on with Kirk, who will stand down from the Players’ Association, “fine”.
Kirk is based in Sydney but has a home in NZ. NZ Rugby previously said in a statement that he was committed to “being present in New Zealand”, as required.
“I am honoured and excited to be appointed to the Board of NZR. We have an excellent board and I look forward to the work ahead,” said Kirk.
