Auckland Rugby Union and the Blues to be independently led

Jun 13 • General News, National, New Zealand • 3694 Views • Comments Off on Auckland Rugby Union and the Blues to be independently led

Following the recent announcement of a new Blues partnership acquiring the licence to operate and manage the Blues franchise, it has been agreed the Blues Franchise and Auckland Rugby Union will be independently led.

Auckland Rugby Union currently holds a management contract for shared services of the Blues, which includes ARU CEO Andy Dalton, in a dual role as Blues Chief Executive.

With the new Blues board in place and agreement the franchise will be independently led, a search for a Blues CEO will begin shortly.

Mr Dalton will retain his existing role as the ARU Chief Executive and will assist in the transition period until the new Blues partnership comes into effect from September 1 2013.

“Andy’s experience in leading a rugby organisation at both provincial and franchise level is extremely valuable and he is very committed to continuing the growth and development of ARU across all areas of the business,” said ARU Chairman Glenn Wahlstrom. “Auckland Rugby is very fortunate to have a CEO of Andy’s calibre and experience leading us into the future.”

Mr Dalton said Auckland Rugby is extremely proud to have been at the heart of the Blues’ inception and the franchise’s evolution across 17 years of Super Rugby.

“Auckland Rugby is privileged to have managed the Blues franchise and as avid supporters we will continue to provide assistance to the organisation as it evolves into this next exciting chapter of Blues rugby.”

New Blues board Chairman Tony Carter says the Blues CEO position will be advertised shortly and in the interim period, the shared services agreement currently in place will continue.