New Tasman Rugby Union CEO announced

A familiar face has been chosen to lead the Tasman Rugby Union into the future.

Former TRU Operations Manager, Steve Mitchell, was today announced as the union’s new Chief Executive Officer, starting his new role on June 10, 2024.

The current Southland Rugby Union CEO boasts a decade of experience in provincial rugby, having served as CEO of Southland Rugby since April 2020 and previously working with Tasman from April 2014 until February 2020.

The appointment marks a homecoming for Mitchell, Nelson born-and-bred and a life member of Rangers Rugby Club.

Baz Henare, Chairman of the Tasman Rugby Union board, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Steve back to Tasman Rugby Union as our new CEO”.

“His passion for the game, combined with his proven leadership abilities, make him the perfect fit to lead our organization…”

Mitchell will take over from interim CEO Kahu Marfell, who will concentrate on his role as Community Rugby Manager. The previous CEO, Lyndon Bray, ended his employment relationship with Tasman in October last year, after being appointed in 2021.

Before deciding on Mitchell, the Tasman board considered 24 applicants from across NZ, Australia and USA.

Mitchell expressed his excitement about returning to the top of the south and the opportunity to lead the organization into its next chapter.

“It was always the intention to head back to Tasman when the time was right.

“I have been involved with Tasman since its inception … I was on the council of delegates on behalf of the Rangers club so have been involved in rugby in the Tasman region for 30-odd years.

“The time in Southland has been extremely beneficial for my personal development and I look forward to bringing those learnings to the new role in Tasman.

“[Tasman and Southland] are similar-sized unions … Southland was insolvent when I got here. They now have money in the bank which they are now investing in developing their people and their systems.

“When I came down [to Southland], I said [I would stay for] three to five years, I will set up the systems … but I am going home.

“So, four years on, the opportunity has come … and I am really, really pleased to have the opportunity to get back home and be involved with Tasman again.”

He is well aware that the rugby landscape is evolving and of the challenges that lie ahead.

“The need to support the community game is paramount … local representation for local people is a priority. That is the role of a provincial union as far as I am concerned,” he added.