Auckland chief leaving for Bristol

Auckland Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive David White is leaving to take up the equivalent role with British club Bristol.

White has signed a three-year contract with Bristol and will join them in February.

It follows five years in charge of Auckland rugby and the Blues Super 12 franchise, which came after four as chief executive of the Wellington Rugby Union and the Hurricanes.

White said the timing was right for the move as the position provided an opportunity for a person with new ideas to continue building rugby in the area.

He believed much of the groundwork was in place for the future of Auckland rugby.

"We've re-signed most of the current playing squad for at least the next two years and we've created a strong programme for developing and retaining local players," he said.

"From a financial perspective we're also better able to invest in club and school rugby, which is central to the growth and development of the game."

White described being involved with the province as a privilege.

"Auckland Rugby has been fantastic to me and together we've achieved a lot over the last five years."

He hoped to be able to bring some of the benefits of his British experience back to the game in New Zealand in the future.

"There is a lot for administrators to gain from having a broader perspective on the game, and that's certainly what working in the UK will provide.

"Joining the Bristol club and working within the English premiership is a challenge I am certainly looking forward to."

White, 44, is a former New Zealand cricket batsman, who played two tests and three one-day internationals against Pakistan in 1990-91.

He also played 106 first class games for Northern Districts before becoming involved in administration.

ARU Chairman Ken Baguley said White had made an enormous contribution to rugby in Auckland and the Blues franchise.

"In addition to his people management skills, David brought a high degree of financial acumen, which stands rugby in the region in good stead for the future," Baguley said.

"Auckland now has cash reserves of around $5 million, compared with a break-even position when David began.

"Home crowds at Blues matches have also reached record levels, highlighting the increased popularity of the team over recent years."

Auckland's on-field achievements during White's tenure include three NPC first division titles, including last Saturday's final win at Eden Park.

The Blues also won the Super 12 title in 2003.

Baguley said the Board would immediately search for a replacement.

- NZPA