The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) would like to announce the appointment of the new Independent Board Director, Kiwi #686 Motu Tony.

Replacing John Bishop who retires after ten years of service to the NZRL Board, Motu Tony brings almost 20 years of experience in professional sport to the role.

Tony’s playing career included 13 Tests for the Kiwis between 2001 and 2006 winning the 2005 Tri-Nations, alongside stints with the New Zealand Warriors and Super League’s Hull FC.

Of recent, he has attained board experience with Baseball New Zealand, the New Zealand Rugby Union ‘Navigating Two Worlds’ Advisory Panel, the Rugby Football League Disciplinary Review Panel Committee and Hull FC Super League Limited to name a few. In addition to this, he is currently the Acting Chief Executive Officer at Baseball New Zealand following a successful tenure as the General Manager of Football Operations at Hull FC Super League.

At Hull FC, Tony led their high-performance programme which included the responsibilities of recruiting and retaining both players and staff, as well as the financial management of a live salary cap. Tony left Hull FC in 2017 to return to New Zealand after the club had won consecutive Challenge Clubs (2016 and 2017) and re-established itself as one of the premiere clubs in the Super League.

Reon Edwards, Chairman of the NZRL Board is pleased to have someone of Motu Tony’s high-performance expertise joining his team during this exciting period of change for the NZRL.

“Following the Castle review, it was imperative that we took on board the recommendation to make appointments that inject more high-performance knowledge into our organisation.

“As a proven sports leader, administrator and Director (both Executive and Non-Executive) with almost 20 years of experience in professional sport as both an athlete and administrator, Motu Tony more than fits the bill.

“We anticipate Motu will provide real value as we look to review the draft strategic plan with the help of the newly appointed CEO, Greg Peters,” he said.

Bio:

Board experience

2018 – Present Baseball New Zealand

2018 – Present New Zealand Rugby Union ‘Navigating Two Worlds’ Advisory Panel

2017 – Rugby Football League Disciplinary Review Panel Committee

2017 – Hull Rugby League Participation Committee

2016 -2017 – City of Hull Rugby League Academy Board of Directors

2014 -2017 – Hull Super League Limited Board of Directors

Other roles

2018 Interim Chief Executive Officer, Baseball New Zealand

2013-2017 General Manager of Football Operations, Hull FC Super League Limited

New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League 2001 – 2006

  • 13 Tests
  • Selection for UK Tours in 2002, 2004 and 2005
  • 2005 Tri-nations Winner, 24-0 vs Australia. First time Kiwis had defeated Australia in a Test series in 50 years
  • 2006 Tri-nations Grand Finalist

Professional Rugby League Player 2001 – 2012

  • Wakefield Wildcats
  • Hull FC Super League Limited
  • Castleford Tigers Super League, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
  • Brisbane Broncos, NRL, Australia
  • New Zealand Warriors, NRL, New Zealand.