Tasman Rugby Union appoints new CEO
Tasman Rugby Union has a new person in charge, and he’s more than familiar with the top of the south.
The union’s chief executive role had been left vacant with the departure of Lyndon Bray in October last year, with community rugby manager Kahu Marfell serving as interim chief.
The board had been “overwhelmed” with applicants from across New Zealand, Australia and the United States apply for the top job, said board chairman Baz Henare.
But the union announced yesterday that a local had been chosen, and would be returning home for the job – Steve Mitchell, who had a decade of experience in provincial rugby roles.
Mitchell had been Tasman’s operations manager from 2014 to 2020, before moving south to become Rugby Southland’s chief executive.
Henare said the board was “thrilled” to welcome Mitchell back to the union as Tasman’s new chief executive.
“His passion for the game, combined with his proven leadership abilities, make him the perfect fit to lead our organisation forward,” Henare said.
“We look forward to working closely with Steve to achieve our collective goals and continue to strengthen Tasman Rugby Union's position within the rugby community.”
Henare said the board wanted to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Marfell who had “steadied the TRU ship” through the transitional period.
“Kahu can now focus fully on his role as community rugby manager, and we know Steve’s appointment will help us make strides in this priority space,” he said.
A former Nelson College student and life member of Upper Moutere-based Rangers Rugby Club, Mitchell said it was always his intention to come back to Tasman “when the time was right”.
“My wife and I are extremely pleased for the opportunity to return to our family roots, and I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead Tasman Rugby into a new era with a renewed focus on community rugby,” Mitchell said.
“The time in Southland has been extremely beneficial for my personal development and I look forward to bringing those learnings to the new role in Tasman. Tasman is my home and I have always been a proud and loyal supporter of Tasman Rugby.”