The New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) is set for a boost with new internationally respected Chief Executive Officer, Greg Peters at the helm of the organisation.
Announced at a press conference today, Peters’ appointment marks another positive change for the organisation that is determined to press forward.
Peters’ experience as a successful sports administrator spans 20 years and includes five years as the Sydney-based CEO of SANZAR; two years with the Argentinean Rugby Union in the General Manager role; four years as CEO of the Hurricanes and Wellington Rugby; and eight years working for the New Zealand Rugby Union in various roles involving the grassroots and professional game.
Originally hailing from Canterbury but also spending a number of years in the Waikato and Wellington, Peters returned to Wellington from Argentina in 2016. As part of his new role Peters will relocate to Auckland, joining the NZRL in mid-June following the Board’s 2018 Annual meeting on 18 June.
The Castle review conducted at the conclusion of the Kiwis’ 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign identified “a need for knowledge, expertise, understanding, leadership and capability at the high performance sport level and at the CEO position.” Based on these recommendations, the NZRL Board brought in Global Elite Sports to assist with recruitment.
Confident that Peters’ is the right person for the job, the New Zealand Rugby League Chairman, Reon Edwards says his appointment brings about some exciting prospects for the organisation.
“When it comes to leading high performance organisations to the top, Peters has the resume and experience to prove he is the one to lead the New Zealand Rugby League into a new era,” said NZRL Chair Reon Edwards.
“Our game requires a strong, resilient leader who understands the nuances of grassroots sports and the connection with our community, while having the leadership qualities and commercial skills to grow the NZRL brand. Greg’s C.V. speaks for itself. He is a proven CEO with plenty of experience at provincial and international level. He’s now excited about the prospect of applying his vast experience to a game he follows as a fan and has huge respect for.
“With the recent appointment of Michael Maguire as Kiwis Head Coach, and now Greg Peters set to lead the organisation, I believe we have leaders with the capability to implement the necessary systems and processes that will drive NZRL into the future.
“Our rugby league community expect that we represent the NZRL values of integrity, respect, leadership, courage and passion to the highest standard, and Greg does so in the most humble fashion,” Edwards said.
As an avid supporter of sport and its societal impact, Peters understands that the success of a high performing sport organisation is the result of several different factors.
“High performance sport is not just about what happens on the field – it’s the whole organisation from grassroots to the elite.
“While my experience has predominantly been in rugby union, the fundamentals of leading a sports organisation to succeed are transferrable and my focus now is getting the NZRL to reach new heights.
“I know New Zealanders are passionate about their rugby league and if we re-establish trust in the NZRL brand, we can re-position rugby league in the hearts and minds of the wider community.
“Rugby league has the power to galvanise, unite and inspire communities in a way that few other sports can,” Peters said.
Bio – Greg Peters
NZRL Announce Greg Peters CEO of New Zealand Rugby League
