Kiwi Raelene Castle's appointment as the new chief executive for Rugby Australia heralds a new era for the sport, New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Tew said.
Castle has been announced as the new chief executive for Rugby Australia, taking over from Bill Pulver.
The former Netball New Zealand and Canterbury Bulldogs chief executive was officially announced as Pulver's successor at a press conference in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon.
"We congratulate Raelene on her appointment, which is an acknowledgement of her strength as a leader, and her ability to drive success both on and off the field," Tew said.
"I have known Raelene for a number of years, and have a huge regard for her and we are really looking forward to working with her.
"New Zealand Rugby has enjoyed a close and open relationship with Bill Pulver and we thank him for his courageous leadership including managing the change that was necessary this year."
Rugby Australia Chairman Cameron Clyne said Castle was the standout applicant from a list of over 200 candidates which included sporting and business leaders from across the globe.
"Raelene is an extremely impressive executive who covered every base as far as what the Board was looking for in a chief executive officer to lead our game into an important new chapter.