About Us

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), formed in 1892 to administer the game of rugby union at the national level, is charged with fostering, developing, administering, promoting and representing the game of rugby in New Zealand.

More than 80 people are employed at the NZRU's headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand. These roles cover management of our national teams (including the All Blacks), administration of our national competitions, and participation in international competitions including Test matches, as well as assisting community rugby throughout the country. The NZRU has direct relationships with its members, including all 26 Provincial Unions, Investec Super Rugby Franchises, sponsors, and stakeholders such as the New Zealand Government.

The NZRU is one of New Zealand's largest sports organisations, with a team of employees committed to ensuring that our national game is run smoothly and effectively at all levels, all over New Zealand.  As a modern, professional sport, rugby encompasses a wide range of activities and functions. 

Areas within the NZRU include: Rugby Operations, High Performance Rugby, Community Rugby, Referees, Medical, Marketing and Commercial, Broadcasting, Communications, Legal, Finance, IT, Human Resources.

The NZRU is an incorporated society (New Zealand Rugby Union Incorporated), governed by the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. Unlike a private company, generally, the NZRU is not allowed to make profits and distribute these to its members (the Provincial Unions). When the NZRU does make money and distribute this to its members, these distributions must only be for achieving the goals of the NZRU Constitution. These goals include promoting and developing rugby locally and globally, organising matches, and managing New Zealand’s national teams.

  

Structure

The NZRU has two Officers, President and Vice President. These office-holders represent the NZRU and New Zealand at rugby and non-rugby functions and events, locally and overseas. The President and Vice President are entitled to attend NZRU Board Meetings, although they are not considered Board Members and are not entitled to vote on Board matters.

The President and Vice President are elected for two years each. Former All Blacks Bryan Williams, NZRU President, and Ian MacRae, NZRU Vice President, were elected in 2011.

The NZRU Patron fills an honorary role as the figurehead for the organisation. Sir Wilson Whineray, who passed away in October 2012, most recently held the office of Patron. Previously the Governor-General of New Zealand held the office.