In a statement released by New Zealand Rugby (NZR), Davenport expressed her disappointment in the voting outcome.
“I remain committed to the organisation and future of New Zealand rugby. I joined the board with great optimism, and it’s that perspective I take forward,” Davenport said.
“The appointments panel ran an incredibly well-managed and robust process, and the eight ratified directors are outstanding. I’m excited for what they will bring to NZR and have no doubt they will be able to pick up the mantle quickly and with great effect.
“As someone who has spent the past decade dedicated to inclusion and governance of rugby in New Zealand, I will continue to be involved with the game through the New Zealand Rugby Foundation board and as an avid supporter of both the community and professional games.”
Panel chair Rachel Taulelei said: “We are over the moon to have eight exceptional candidates ratified for appointment to the NZR board. They are extremely capable, motivated and ready to start a new chapter for the organisation and game.
“The process has been challenging, but rewarding, and the result is testament to everyone’s commitment to move forward positively.
“Our only disappointment is that Rowena Davenport’s appointment was not ratified. Rowena has contributed an immense amount to the board and to the game, and we felt her skills and experience complemented the rest of the board well.”
NZR can push ahead with an eight-person board comprising Caren Rangi, Catherine Savage, David Kirk, Doug Jones, Grant Jarrold, Greg Barclay, Keven Mealamu and Julia Raue.
But in the new year, another process will now be required to find a replacement for Davenport.
That may not be straightforward, either, as the replacement candidate must satisfy stipulations that they have provincial union governance experience and, to meet diversity targets, that they are female.
Davenport’s rejection also means all five previous provincial union board representatives – Bailey Mackey, Stu Mather, Ajit Balasingham and Wayne Young – are not returning to the new NZR board.
The Herald understands Crusaders chair Grant Jarrold marginally secured enough provincial union votes after his role in promoting three members to the appointments and remuneration panel drew scrutiny.
In an email to voting members on Wednesday, NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said: “The appointments and remuneration panel will now be asked to appoint (subject to ratification) an alternative candidate for the position where the original candidate has not been ratified, and notification of that alternative candidate, together with the details of the ratification process, will be provided in due course.”
The board-elect has indicated its decision to appoint former All Blacks captain Kirk as its chair will be formalised at the first meeting in 2025.
Kirk said: “I am honoured and excited to be appointed to the board of NZR. We have an excellent board and I look forward to the work ahead.”
Kirk (New Zealand Rugby Players Association), Doug Jones (New Zealand Māori Rugby Board) and Jarrold (Crusaders) have all confirmed they will step down from those governance roles to meet constitutional requirements for NZR Board members to be independent.
Liam Napier has been a sports journalist since 2010, and his work has taken him to World Cups in rugby, netball and cricket, boxing world title fights and Commonwealth Games.
