Changes aplenty at top of Tasman rugby
Mako assistant coach Hoani MacDonald … heading for Japan. Photo Shuttersport
The Tasman Rugby Union is “match fit and ready to go” after recent restructuring, according to board chair Wayne Young.
After an extensive independent review process late last year and subsequent restructure in early 2026, Wayne was confident the new structure had positioned the organisation strongly for the future and for success on and off the field.
The restructure established three new leadership positions across the organisation: Director of Business Commercial – Julie Bensemann, Director of Community Rugby – Chris Little, and Director of Rugby/Mako Head Coach – Jono Phillips.
Wayne extended his thanks to interim CEO Julie, who stepped into the role to help the organisation navigate the period of change. “Julie’s efforts have been outstanding – the Board is thankful to her for her commitment to our staff, to the Board and to rugby in Tasman,” he said.
Julie will now concentrate on her new role of Director of Business Commercial. Transitional Manager Tony Lewis, who has led the restructure process, will now guide TRU through to December at which point the Board will consider its next steps.
“This will likely involve advertising for a new chief executive or general manager, but the Board will work through a process to confirm this,” said Wayne.
The high-performance structure side of the organisation is now finalised following key appointments for the 2026 season, including new Director of Rugby/Mako Head Coach Jono Phillips.
Following the departure of Assistant Coach Hoani MacDonald to Japan on the next stage of his coaching journey, Greg Fleming has been named defensive coach for the 2026 season only. With two decades of full-time experience in various rugby environments, Greg is currently the defence and scrum coach for the Super Rugby Pacific side, Fijian Drua.
Former All Black Wyatt Crockett will join the programme as technical advisor in a part-time role alongside assistant coaches Tom Marshall and Quentin MacDonald who both graduated from the community rugby scene.