SANZAAR announce new Chief Executive and Chairman

January 29, 2021

Sport /

Southern hemisphere rugby union body SANZAAR have announced the promotion of its current Chief Operating Officer, Brendan Morris, as its new Chief Executive, replacing the former postholder Andy Marinos who is taking on the Chief Executive role at Rugby Australia.

Alongside the announcement, SANZAAR also announced Argentina Rugby Union (UAR) President, Marcelo Rodriguez, has replaced New Zealand’s Brent Impey, as its Chairman, in line with the SANZAAR agreement to rotate the chairman between the four member unions, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, every 12 months.

Morris joined SANZAAR following senior leadership roles with the Queensland Reds, the Wallabies, and Rugby Australia, and in a statement, said he is confident SANZAAR could emerge from the challenges caused by COVID-19 in a strong position.

The statement advised “I am delighted to step into the role of CEO at the organisation and continue to work with the very dedicated and talented people we have in the sport.

“Of course, rugby and sport in general face many challenges due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

“That said I believe SANZAAR is in a strong position to move forward given the work already done to reformat our competitions and to streamline our cross-border operations.

“The aim now is to consolidate what Super Rugby will look like in the future, continue to work with World Rugby on a global rugby calendar that is fit for purpose in today’s sporting environment and to continue the success of The Rugby Championship that is the flagship of SANZAAR and one of the major drivers to our National Unions’ success at Rugby World Cup,” he said.

Speaking on his appointment as Chairman, Rodriguez noted “I would like to deeply thank the unions of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, our partners in SANZAAR, for this recognition.

“It highlights that as a group we are committed to working together for the benefit of all our national unions, and in the continued pursuit of the growth of our sport globally.

“This appointment as SANZAAR Chairman stands as strong recognition of the UAR and Argentine rugby.

“Indeed, in recent times we have seen Argentina rugby grow stronger and produce some great performances and this appointment is a clear demonstration of the respect and international prestige achieved by Argentinean rugby all over the world.”

Image: Brendan Morris. Credit: SANZAAR.

23rd December 2020 - Rugby Australia appoints SANZAAR’s Andy Marinos as new Chief Executive

13th November 2020 - Rugby Australia and New Zealand Rugby announce domestic and trans-Tasman tournaments for 2021

9th November 2020 - Report shows global rise in rugby interest through 2019

9th November 2020 - Rugby Australia announces $100 million broadcast deal with Nine Network

3rd November 2020 - Super Rugby’s Chiefs announce new ticketing partnership

31st October 2020 - Federal Government backs Australian Rugby World Cup hosting bid with further $8.8 million funding

16th October 2020 - South Africa withdraws from Rugby Championship citing Coronavirus travel restrictions and player safety concerns

11th October 2020 - World Rugby’s updated transgender guidelines ban transwomen playing at elite level

2nd October 2020 - Super Rugby Aotearoa competition to return in 2021

30th September 2020 - South African teams to exit Super Rugby to play in Europe

28th September 2020 - Rugby Australia agrees interim players pay deal

23rd September 2020 - Qantas ends 30-year Rugby Australia sponsorship deal

12th September 2020 - New Zealand to host two Bledisloe Cup Tests ahead of Australian-based Rugby Championship

11th September 2020 - Australia to replace New Zealand as host of 2020 Rugby Championship tournament

20th August 2020 - New Zealand Rugby looks to stage full series of Tests in coming months

22nd March 2019 - SANZAAR to axe Sunwolves from Super Rugby after 2020 season

3rd May 2018 - Sanzaar strategic review considers further Super Rugby expansion

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.