Steve Lancaster has been appointed the new chief executive officer of New Zealand Rugby, ending the long search for Mark Robinson's replacement.
Lancaster has been interim CEO for the past six months.
“The Board has been very deliberate in the recruitment of the CEO," chairman David Kirk said.
"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.”
Lancaster's appointment brings to a close a long process for the organisation.
It is understood that NZ Rugby, via its recruitment agency, spread the net far and wide for a replacement for Robinson, who resigned in the middle of last year, but either failed to find the right candidate or those who initially showed interest pulled out of the process.
Lancaster, a former Crusaders lock who became the franchise's general manager of rugby after his playing retirement, has been at NZ Rugby for the last 10 years - initially as the general manager of the community game. He has been on the NZ Rugby executive for the last six years.
As a NZ Rugby statement pointed out, during his time as interim CEO, the organisation has appointed an All Blacks 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.”
Lancaster said it was a privilege to continue leading the sport.
“I fully understand the responsibility that comes with the role and it’s an honour to be offered the position," he said.
“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.”
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