Whanganui Rugby appoints Kevin Nicholson as new chief executive

Whanganui Rugby Football Union has appointed Kevin Nicholsen as chief executive. Photo / Supplied

Incoming chief executive for Whanganui Rugby Kevin Nicholson is excited about the opportunity to take over the “legacy and history” of Whanganui rugby.

Nicholson was announced as the new Whanganui Rugby Football Union (WRFU) chief executive on May 6 and will officially commence the role on June 8.

“I’ve got this strong belief in the power of sport, in particular rugby, and the power that it has in connecting people and communities,” Nicholson said.

“More importantly, it builds people and so to be able to have some influence on the impact rugby can play on our community and people was one of the key drivers.

“It’s a privilege to be able to create those pathways within our communities, rugby has always been part of our national DNA so I feel absolutely privileged and excited about that opportunity.”

Nicholson has been working with outgoing chief executive Bridget Belsham to ensure a smooth transition.

He has extensive leadership experience across sport, finance and community-based organisations.

Most recently, Nicholson served as bank manager for Westpac in Whanganui for nearly eight years.

Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles in sport and community organisations.

Notably, he served as general manager of Hockey Manawatū Incorporated for four years and was named Sport Manawatū Administrator of the Year in 2018.

Nicholson was chairman of NZ Masters Games Ltd from 2019–23 and has been a long-standing ambassador for Iron Māori, an indigenous triathlon movement founded in 2009.

He spent over 20 years competing in endurance events, totalling 27 completed ironman races and competing in the Ironman World Championship in Hawai’i four times.

He has represented New Zealand in triathlons and natural bodybuilding tournaments.

He said he got into endurance training after “a few dislocations” playing rugby for 20 years.

Chairwoman of the WRFU board Pétra Allen said the board are thrilled to welcome Nicholson to the Whanganui Rugby community.

“His extensive background in both regional sports administration and financial services is the perfect skills mix to lead our union forward,” she said.

“Kevin’s leadership style balances strategic clarity with practical delivery, and he acknowledges the role rugby plays in our community’s identity.”

Nicholson said his immediate focus is to engage with the community by spending time meeting with clubs, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and schools across the region.

He said he wanted to deepen his understanding of the local rugby landscape and listen to what matters most to the rugby family, to make sure everyone is aligned and “working as one rugby system”.

“What I mean by that is, we all care about rugby so how do we work together in one system to ensure that we can build on that legacy?

“We need to build by ensuring that the game remains relevant, sustainable and resilient.”

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.