Steve Lancaster sheds 'interim' tag as New Zealand Rugby CEO

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) interim CEO Steve Lancaster will stay on in the role permanently, having impressed the board throughout his six months in the position to date.

Lancaster stepped into the position after Mark Robinson’s departure in October 2025 and has steered the union through a period of drastic change, including unprecedented coaching upheaval in the All Blacks, a coaching transition in the Black Ferns, the appointment of key financial executives and a significant restructuring of high-performance roles within NZR.

Having served as the general manager of community rugby since 2016 and on the executive board since 2020, Lancaster’s credentials and capabilities are well known to NZR chair David Kirk and the board.

“The Board has been very deliberate in the recruitment of the CEO. It is a critical leadership role for rugby, and we have taken our time to make the right appointment,” Kirk said.

“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.”

Kirk said Lancaster’s leadership throughout his time as interim CEO had instilled confidence that he was the right man for the job moving forward.

“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 has previously held high-performance roles with Rugby Canada, Netball New Zealand, and the Crusaders, for whom he once played. His message for New Zealand fans was that “anything is achievable” if the system comes together.

“It’s been a privilege for the six months I’ve had this opportunity. I fully understand the responsibility that comes with the role, and it’s an honour to be offered the position.

“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.”