Former Ireland international Sene Naoupu appointed CEO of North Otago RFU

Sene Naoupu played for Connacht, Leinster and Ireland. 

NEW APPOINTMENT: Former Ireland, Leinster and Connacht rugby player Sene Naoupu has been appointed CEO of North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU). Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Former Ireland, Leinster and Connacht rugby player Sene Naoupu has been appointed CEO of North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU).

Naoupu becomes the first Pasifika female CEO of the New Zealand Rugby Provincial Union. Naoupu is of Samoan decent from the villages Vaie’e Safata and Lotoso’a Saleimoa.

Naoupu moved to Ireland in 2009 and made her international debut for Ireland in 2015 against Italy in the Women's Six Nations Championship. She earned 48 caps for the 15s side. She also represented Ireland 7s as well as Connacht and Leinster.

The former Ireland star has led global and national strategies for sports governing bodies, players bodies, commerical rights holders and healthcare services. She has also worked as a broadcaster across the Rugby World Cup, Olympics, Guinness Six Nations and Sky Super Rugby Aupiki. 

Naoupu has experience owning her own business, leading equality campaigns and strategic projects and is delighted to move back hmoe and to 'future-proof' rugby in her home province.

“I’m honoured to be appointed CEO of my home Provincial Union. This role holds deep, personal significance as I return to where my rugby journey began after 15 years abroad,” Naoupu said.

“I’m grateful for the international opportunities to contribute to the game at every level, globally, nationally and regionally and have gained insights and experiences from world-class people, organisations, competitions and teams.

“Now it’s a privilege to help future-proof rugby in my home province. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community and family, especially my mother who needs me nearby, and build on the strong legacy that was led by Colin Jackson the past 20 years.

“While I am fully committed to my role as CEO, I value Warren’s (Prescott) leadership as Chairman and the NORFU board’s support for my ongoing international engagements through a pivotal upcoming Rugby World Cup year.”

NORFU Board Chairman Warren Prescott is delighted to welcome Nauopu on board. 

“Sene has a broad range of entrepreneurial and management skills and her genuine passion for our rugby community made her the ideal candidate for the role. She has made an immense contribution to rugby locally and globally. We are thrilled to have her onboard."

NZR General Manager Community Rugby Steve Lancaster also expressed his support.

“On behalf of NZR I’d like to congratulate Sene on her appointment as CEO. This is a significant milestone and an exciting time for North Otago, a proud Union in our Heartland group. We wish her all the best in the new role and looking forward to seeing the impact she will have on our rugby community.”

Naoupu will take up the role in November.