NZ rugby chiefs step down

New Zealand rugby is reeling following the resignations of its chief executive David Rutherford and board chairman Murray McCaw.

Both have stood down following today’s release of a report into New Zealand losing the sub-hosting rights to next year’s World Cup.

Former chairman Rob Fisher has again taken the reins while NZRFU rugby manager Steve Tew will act as the chief executive until a new appointment is made.

The report, commissioned by the NZRFU and undertaken by former chief executive Sir Thomas Eichelbaum, outlines the unravelling of relationships with New Zealand’s international partners as the major reason for the World Cup rights to be lost.

Board deputy chairman, John Spicer has also stood down, being replaced by Paul Quinn, the former New Zealand Maori and Wellington captain who has been a director since April.