New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has recently appointed Callum McNair as its Secondary Schools Rugby Manager. The new position was established as one of the priority recommendations from last year’s independent review of New Zealand Secondary School Rugby and McNair will be responsible for implementing the independent review’s recommendations, leading the development of Secondary School Rugby in New Zealand, and being NZR’s primary liaison with other key stakeholders.

NZR Head of Participation and Development, Steve Lancaster, said McNair brings both secondary school and Provincial Union rugby experience, as well as a proven ability to drive results.

“Callum is presently the Head of Rugby and Community Development at Takapuna Grammar School where he has overseen significant growth in the rugby programme with strong growth in the numbers of boys and girls playing.

“Takapuna’s First XV also won the North Harbour Secondary School Championship last year, so he comes with a current understanding of the challenges we face and a track record of delivering results. Prior to this, Callum was Commercial Manager at North Harbour Rugby and his understanding of the Provincial Union environment should also stand him in good stead for working with Provincial Union stakeholders, while his customer-oriented focus will also be an asset in evaluating how to ensure rugby remains relevant to teenagers. We’re pleased to have made this appointment and are now focused on working with all of our stakeholders on the report’s remaining recommendations.”

McNair will begin his role at the start of May 2019.

Article added: Wednesday 01 May 2019