Chief executive leaves union after successful tenure
After navigating the Taranaki Rugby Football Union through one of its most successful seasons on the field, its chief executive has resigned.
Laurence Corlett announced his resignation last week after only two years in the role.
In a statement, Corlett said he was proud to leave Taranaki Rugby in a better position, having led the organisation through many challenges.
“The stadium issues and Covid have meant the role has required a lot of sacrifices and hard work,” he said.
“I am grateful to the TRFU staff who have been in the fight with me.”
Corlett leaves the role after becoming the interim commercial manager in 2019. He was appointed to the top job in 2020.
His playing career spanned 64 caps for Taranaki between 2005 and 2012, and he held numerous coaching positions.
As chief executive, he gave the union a shakeup with a restructure but got it back into a positive financial position after two challenging financial years.
Financially, the Pukekura Park match was a marketing success with a high number of purchased memberships, which saw Taranaki play at the historic cricket ground for the first time in 46 years.
“Highlights included helping the TRFU back in the black, winning the Ranfurly Shield and being part of the team behind last year’s national provincial championship success,” he says.
“I’m pleased to be leaving the TRFU in a better position and excited about new challenges on the horizon.”
Those new challenges are unclear after TRFU chairman Andrew Thompson said he was unsure if Corlett had announced his next move.
Thompson thanked Corlett for his contribution to Taranaki Rugby, both as a player and administrator.
Corlett will officially finish in his role at the end of January and recruitment for a new chief executive begins shortly.