Former union boss to lead NZRL

AUCKLAND: A former southern hemisphere rugby union boss has been unveiled as the new chief executive of New Zealand Rugby League.

Greg Peters takes over the role vacated when Alex Hayton resigned in March just before a damaging review into the Kiwis’ 2017 World Cup failure was released.

It is a change of direction for Peters, whose 20 years in sports administration has been primarily in the 15man code.

For five years he was the Sydneybased CEO of Sanzar, followed by two years as general manager at the Argentine Rugby Union.

His earlier roles were with New Zealand Rugby, followed by a stint as CEO of the Hurricanes.

Peters said his lack of background in rugby league would not be an impediment.

‘‘While my experience has predominantly been in rugby union, the fundamentals of leading a sports organisation to suc ceed are transferable and my focus now is getting the NZRL to reach new heights,’’ he said.

NZRL chairman Reon Edwards said Peters boasted the commercial skills to aid the cashstrapped organisation.

Peters and new Kiwis coach Michael Maguire provide reason for New Zealand fans to be optimistic of a turnaround in fortunes for the national team, Edwards added.

Peters’ role will begin on June 18. — AAP