WELLINGTON RUGBY CHIEF EXECUTIVE HANGS UP HIS BOOTS

Wellington Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Matt Evans has announced he is stepping down after 12 years at the organisation. 

“After much reflection, and having secured the Ranfurly Shield and NPC Championship this year, the time is right to hand over the reins. 

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and the support that has been provided to me over the last 12 years. I started as the Chief Financial Officer, and for the last 3.5 years I have had the privilege of being the Chief Executive Officer.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank all the Wellington Rugby staff, past and present, I’ve had the good fortune to work with and I have enjoyed working together with the Board to run the game we all love.

“This is the right time for me to pursue other interests and for someone else to lead the next phase of rugby in Wellington, Evans said.

Evans will leave at the end of January 2023 and Chair Russell Poole said he leaves WRFU in a strong position.

“Under his watch, the Lions end 2022 holding the Ranfurly Shield and NPC title, and the Pride have finished in the top four of the Farah Palmer Cup.

“Of late we especially thank Matt for his work as he has managed the move with the help of WRFU staff to the NZCIS [New Zealand Campus of Innovation & Sport] complex, and we look forward to him stopping in from time to time to see the benefits of his work in this space. 

“We wish Matt and his family all the best for their future endeavours and on behalf of the Board and the rugby clubs in Wellington we thank Matt for his contribution to rugby in the region,” said Poole.