Rugby: Rugby boss leaves a big gap behind

Wellington Rugby Union chairman Rhys Barlow was surprised and disappointed at the departure of chief executive David White, particularly because he had been "headhunted" by Auckland.

But Barlow emphasised yesterday that he was making no personal criticism of White, who had taken up what was a very good career opportunity.

"I'm disappointed for Wellington because David has been excellent for us," Barlow said. "He brought us into the new era and we are now well placed financially and with our player base."

And Wellington had to accept the reality of him being "headhunted," even by another provincial union, because rugby was now a business.

He had no doubt that White was among the top two chief executives in New Zealand.

White replaces Geoff Hipkins, who is going to South Africa.

"I believe there is a lot of raw talent in Auckland and it needs fine-tuning," White said.

He studied for his physical education degree at the Auckland Teachers' College and played club rugby for Grammar.

He takes up his new job on January 8.

Barlow said he knew nothing about White's departure until told on Monday morning.

"It took me completely by surprise," he said.

Wellington had not been given an opportunity to make a counter offer because the deal had been done and White, to his credit, had not wanted to get into "a bidding war."

Barlow said Wellington obviously needed a new chief executive appointed before the Super 12 starts at the end of February. But achieving that could be difficult, with the Christmas-New Year holiday period looming.

It was likely Wellington would have someone in the meantime in an acting capacity. But that was something for the Wellington union board to resolve over the next week.

White, a former opening batsman who made a handful of appearances for the New Zealand cricket team in the early 1990s, in the course of playing 99 times for Northern Districts, will be working downstairs from his ex-provincial team-mate Lindsay Crocker, who is chief executive of Auckland Cricket.

- NZPA