The newly-appointed chief executive officer of the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union will need little introduction to the local rugby fraternity.
Tony Hargood, 48, is an old boy of Cornwall St Primary School and Chanel College who coached the Marist club's colts and senior sides and Wairarapa-Bush B, before leaving to take up a position in Auckland some 12 years ago.
And he has also made a name for himself in rugby circles there, having coached Mt Wellington's senior side to promotion to the premier division, had two years as coach of of the Auckland under-23s and, since 2008, been fulltime director of coaching for the College Rifles club, which boasts over 1000 playing members.
The CEO role at Wairarapa-Bush became vacant last November when Phil Taylor, who filled the post for 12 years, resigned. Hargood, who was employed in the finances and operations section of Hansells in Masterton, admits he was unaware of the opportunity until rung by some people who thought he might be interested in applying.
"Quite honestly, the decision to apply was made pretty quickly. I've always felt a great affection for Wairarapa-Bush rugby and the idea of returning home was very appealing. I'm rapt to be given the chance, it's a big challenge but I'm looking forward to it."