New Zealand Rugby League - CEO

_{19th March, 2026}

ABOUT NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE:
Rugby league has played a significant part in New Zealand sport for over 100 years. Formed in 1910, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is the governing body for rugby league in Aotearoa New Zealand.
 
NZRL exists: "To transform lives and community hauora through rugby league."
 
Rugby League in Aotearoa is More Than a Game. It is a vehicle for connection, belonging, identity, and wellbeing across communities. Guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori, NZRL operates with a strong cultural foundation grounded in:

• Kotahitanga - United as One Whānau
• Manaakitanga - Respectful and Inclusive
• Kia Pono - Acting with Trust and Integrity
• Te Pae Kahurangi - Striving for Innovation and Excellence

 
ROLE SUMMARY
Reporting to the Chair and Board, the CEO will lead NZRL to deliver its strategic objectives while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the sport. This role requires a leader who can balance commercial growth, high-performance success and deep grassroots connection, ensuring rugby league continues to grow its impact across communities throughout Aotearoa.
 
The CEO will lead NZRL across several key priority areas:

• Delivering NZRL's Strategic Plan and key organisational objectives.
• Strengthening commercial performance and long-term financial sustainability.
• Building trusted relationships with key partners including NZRL member associations, commercial partners, government agencies, NRL and other rugby league bodies.
• Leading a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven organisation.
• Supporting the growth of participation and fan engagement.
• Supporting world-class high-performance systems and international success.
• Embedding a values-led culture grounded in Te Ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

 
ABOUT YOU:
We are seeking an accomplished and experienced leader with the credibility, mana and capability to guide a high-profile national sporting organisation. You will bring:

• Proven CEO or senior executive leadership experience.
• Strong commercial and financial management capability.
• Experience operating within complex stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional relationship management and negotiation skills.
• The ability to lead strategically while understanding operational delivery.
• Media and public leadership capability.
• Cultural competence and understanding of Māori and Pasifika communities.

Experience within sport or professional sport environments is advantageous but not essential.
 
This is a rare opportunity to lead the future of rugby league in Aotearoa as CEO of New Zealand Rugby League, driving commercial growth, international success and community impact!
 
APPLICATIONS CLOSE - Friday 10th April 2026