Outgoing Mark Robinson New Zealand Rugby chief executive says he leaves the organisation in better shape than when he arrived, even if the role proved far tougher than he ever expected.
Robinson steps away at the end of the year, six months after announcing that he would stand down to spend more time with his family, who have moved to Australia. His departure closes a turbulent chapter that began when he took over from Steve Tew in 2020, only months before the world shut down.
A former All Blacks midfielder with nine Test caps, Robinson had already served on the NZR board before taking the top job. But nothing prepared him for what followed.
Mark Robinson New Zealand Rugby Tenure Through the Covid Crisis
Barely into his first year, the Covid-19 pandemic shut borders, cancelled tours and drained revenue. New Zealand Rugby posted losses for three straight years, including a deficit of nearly NZ$20 million in 2024 despite generating record revenue of $285m.
“It was by far the most challenging thing I’d ever encountered,” Robinson told Newstalk ZB. “I don’t think people can appreciate what was being weighed up on a daily basis across those two-and-a-half years.”
He described it as an exhausting period for the sport and the organisation, but believes NZR emerged from it in a stronger long-term position.
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Silver Lake, Sponsorship Turmoil and a Shifting Boardroom
One of Robinson’s defining moves was the Silver Lake deal — a landmark investment that brought in $200m from the US private-equity giant. The agreement was heavily contested by the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and ultimately renegotiated, but it reshaped how NZR runs its commercial arm.
He also had to navigate the unexpected loss of Ineos, which walked away halfway through a six-year sponsorship worth NZ$21m annually.
On the field, the period saw dramatic highs and lows: the Black Ferns winning a home World Cup in 2022, and the All Blacks falling agonisingly short against the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup final.
Meanwhile, NZR’s leadership shifted around him, with 1987 World Cup–winning captain David Kirk becoming the organisation’s new chair.
Coaching Upheaval and Public Scrutiny
Robinson’s tenure coincided with heated national debate about the All Blacks’ direction. Assistant coaches John Plumtree and Brad Mooar were removed during the turbulent 2022 season, while Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt were brought in.
Despite heavy public pressure, Ian Foster survived that year with the support of senior players. But his tenure ended after the 2023 World Cup, with Scott Robertson confirmed as his successor months before the tournament began.
A Role Still Unfilled and a Sport on the Brink of Change
Six months after Robinson announced his exit, NZR has yet to appoint a permanent replacement. Community rugby boss Steve Lancaster will take over in the interim.
Whoever steps into the role will inherit a sport about to undergo major structural change. The Nations Championship launches soon, and the All Blacks are preparing for their first tour of South Africa in three decades in 2026.
Robinson says he has not been involved in discussions about his successor, but he believes the groundwork has been laid.
“We’ve come out the other side,” he said. “The new leadership will be focused on going forward. But it was a tough time.”
