New era begins at Wellington

Steve Rogers, who led Taradale premiers to two championships, is the new chief executive for Wellington Rugby., who led Taradale premiers to two championships, is the new chief executive for Wellington Rugby.

Former Hawke's Bay club rugby coach Steve Rogers spent his first day on the job at Wellington Rugby's Newtown office yesterday as the organisation's new chief executive.

The Tawa Rugby stalwart returned to Wellington earlier this year, having spent the past six years living in Samoa, and more recently Vanuatu, as a chief executive officer with ANZ Bank.

Mr Rogers has a rich history in rugby, particularly with Tawa where he played right through the age grades before taking up a coaching role with the senior team in 1990 " a side he has reconnected with this year since his return to Wellington. Rogers also spent time in Hawke's Bay where he coached the Taradale premiers to two championships, and the Hawke's Bay development team.

He said he looked forward to getting stuck into the Wellington Rugby role.

"I've got a strong desire to develop and grow a sustainable business model for Wellington Rugby that's built around people and the community game.

"There's many elements that will come into that, including growing participation rates at all levels of the game, as well as developing a high performance programme that is the benchmark for provincial rugby.

"But first things first, I'm just looking forward to getting my feet under the desk and meeting the people that are involved in the organisation."

Wellington Rugby chairman Iain Potter said he looked forward to having an individual of such calibre in the chief executive seat.

"He brings strong leadership experience from his time with ANZ and also has a sound commercial background, which we know will be an asset to the organisation.

"Steve also has a huge passion for Wellington rugby and a great understanding of the club rugby scene which is a very important focus for this role. We welcome him here today and certainly look forward to following the contribution he will make to the organisation."