Departing New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson. Photo / Getty Images
As Mark Robinson enters his final week as CEO of New Zealand Rugby, he departs satisfied that it is in a stronger position than when he arrived, after navigating one of the most challenging periods in the game’s history.
In June, Robinson announced he would be stepping down from the role at the end of 2025 after six years at the helm, citing his desire to spend more time with family, who relocated to Queensland.
Robinson succeeded Steve Tew and led New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through a myriad of challenges on and off the field, which started months into the job when Covid-19 disrupted the global sporting calendar.
During his tenure, the organisation posted losses in each of the past three years, including a near $20 million deficit for 2024 despite record revenue of $285m.
He led the Silver Lake deal, securing a $200m investment, though its terms were later renegotiated after pushback from the New Zealand Rugby Players Association.
He also faced sponsor upheaval, with major partner Ineos walking away from its six-year, $21m-a-year deal halfway through. On the field, his tenure saw the Black Ferns win a home World Cup and the All Blacks fall just one point short of glory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, amid intense public debate over the All Blacks’ coaching appointment.
His departure mirrors a raft of changes at board level, with David Kirk taking over as the new chair.
Speaking to Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB’s Weekend Sport, Robinson admitted the job was a challenge, but is content with the legacy he’s leaving.
“There’s no doubt it was by far the most challenging thing that I’d ever encountered personally,” Robinson said. “It was probably the most challenging thing rugby had ever encountered, sport for that matter.
“As I look back, I’m really proud with how we came through that. I don’t think people can appreciate the things we were weighing up and having to consider on a daily basis across those sort of two-and-a-half years.
“We’ve come out the other side of it and I’m sure the new leadership coming into the role will very much be focused on going forward. But it was a tough time.”
Even though six months have passed since Robinson’s announcement, a replacement hasn’t been found with Steve Lancaster, the current general manager of community rugby, to take over on an interim basis.
The Herald understands Six Nations boss Tom Harrison, the former head of the England and Wales cricket board, is a leading contender to succeed Robinson.
Robinson said he had not been privy to any conversations, but whoever succeeds will have the challenge of leading NZR into an interesting period where the global calendar is changing, highlighted by the launch of the Nations Cup and the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa, which takes place next year.
His time at NZR coincided with some of the most intense scrutiny of the All Blacks in recent memory, highlighted by the handling of the coaching debate between Ian Foster and Scott Robertson.
After the All Blacks had been beaten 2-1 in a home series by Ireland for the first time in 2022, pressure was growing on Foster, with Robertson seen by many as the likely replacement.
Assistant coaches John Plumtree and Brad Mooar were let go, as Jason Ryan joined the squad to work with the forwards and former Ireland boss Joe Schmidt came on board.
Foster, with the backing of senior players, held his job following a staunch defeat of South Africa at Ellis Park, capping a run of five defeats from the previous six games.
But the support for Foster did not extend beyond the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with Robertson appointed to take over after the tournament.
Robertson has struggled in the step up as All Blacks coach and the scrutiny was highlighted last month when the Herald revealed his assistant Scott Hansen effectively operates as the head coach.
“We always want the best for the All Blacks, and we have high expectations of them,” Robinson said. “Razor [Robertson] has reflected on this, and so have the senior players, who are keen to understand the periods of inconsistency we’ve experienced and work out why they’re happening, so we can put them right.
“There are some really positive signs in the game, though, and while a few aspects are a little frustrating at the moment, I’m confident a thorough review over the next four to six weeks will provide the answers we’re looking for.”
For now, Robinson plans to spend the Christmas holidays with his family in New Zealand before making the move to Australia. He was tight-lipped on any future job prospects, but indicated there could be some opportunities in consulting, governance or another executive role.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.