Rugby: Patsy Reddy, the first woman to be elected chair of New Zealand Rugby

Patsy Reddy has been appointed chair of New Zealand Rugby (NZR) following the conclusion of the federation's board meeting, announced the body on 07/12/2022. She will succeed Stewart Mitchell, in office since 31/05/2021 (on the board of directors since 2024), on 31/01/2023.

Patsy Reddy (68) will thus become the first female chair of New Zealand Rugby (founded in 1892). A tax lawyer, she will sit on the NZR board in April 2022. Patsy Reddy was Governor General of New Zealand from 2016 to 2021 (honorary representative of the Queen Elizabeth II).

"Stewart Mitchell's term as chair included navigating Covid difficulties to achieve a break-even financial result in 2021 (a €3.4m profit; turnover of €117m), managing complex negotiations with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) which enabled the signing of the Silver Lake transaction (€117.9m invested) this year, and the establishment of New Zealand Rugby Commercial (NZRC) to drive all future revenues," explained the body.

• Farah Palmer and Bailey Mackey have been elected deputy chairs of New Zealand Rugby.