North Otago Rugby Union appoints chief executive

A sports administrator with international experience has become the North Otago Rugby Union's chief executive.

Colin Jackson replaces Ian Patterson, who has left after two years to become a coach at Sydney's Penrith Rugby Club.

Jackson was chosen ahead of Jonah Lomu's former manager Phil Kingsley-Jones.

Jackson, who grew up in Dunedin, has returned from England where he was chief executive at the Bedford Rugby Club for four years. Before that, he had his own sports management company with offices in Holland and London.

"New Zealand rugby is very healthy. To be with a national second division rugby side is an exciting challenge," he said.

His brief with the rugby union is to increase the number of players and attract money.

"It's important that we sustain all the hard work that's gone on previously."

"There have been some exciting times and I hope there will be more to come."

Jackson hoped to use his relationship with Bedford and Northampton rugby in England to set up a scholarship system, exchanging English and Irish players with North Otago's.

His new job starts on February 1.

- NZPA