The NZRL Board has announced that Greg Peters has informed the board of his intention to step down from his position as CEO, concluding an eight-year tenure marked by transformation and impact.
Since his appointment in 2018, Peters has led the organisation through some initially very turbulent times into a period of significant growth overseeing a 30% increase in revenue; investment into the grassroots game – doubling player numbers from 22,000 to 45,000.
Peters has also overseen the reestablishment of the international game with regular test matches for both the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns in New Zealand – both teams have equivalent programmes and pay equity for Kiwi Fern athletes.
NZRL Chair Justin Leydesdorff said Peters was instrumental in establishing the Pacific Championship competition as well as constitutional changes which saw Aotearoa New Zealand Māori Rugby League becoming a voting member of NZRL, with a permanent Board seat.
“On behalf of the board and our members, I want to acknowledge and thank Greg for his outstanding contribution to the game,” Leydesdorff said.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have had one of the country’s top sports administrators lead the sport over eight years.
"Greg successfully combined his love for the grassroots game with the commercial complexities of running an NSO and leaves the code significantly better off than when he took over."
Reflecting on his tenure, Peters said it has been an honour and privilege to lead NZRL.
“I’m incredibly proud of what my small and very committed team has achieved over the past few years," Peters said.
"And I am in awe of, and want to pay tribute to, the thousands of people who toil at the grassroots of the game and drive the growth and development week in week out with very scarce resources.
“NZ Rugby League will always have a big place in my heart and I look forward to watching the game reach new heights in future years."
The Board is in the early stages of commencing a process to recruit a successor and NZRL remains firmly focused on delivering its strategic priorities and serving its community and stakeholders. Peters has agreed to continue support the Board during this period of transition.
