“He is, without doubt, an outstanding Chief Executive for New Zealand Rugby. I have enormous respect for his leadership, vision, philosophy and people management. “Steve and I have worked closely over these last five years in our respective roles as Chair and Chief Executive. “Under Steve’s stewardship, New Zealand Rugby holds all four Rugby World Cups for both men’s and women’s Fifteens and Sevens teams, which is a remarkable achievement. It goes without saying that their support and love have allowed me to give my best to this role. “My greatest gratitude and thanks go to my wife Michele and our daughters, Ruby Maddy and Lily, and extended family and friends. “I have been very fortunate to have worked with incredibly special leaders of the Board, including the late Jock Hobbs, Mike Eagle and Brent, and countless colleagues here at New Zealand Rugby. “I’ve made many lifelong friends through this game and it is comforting to know that so many, very good people are committed to rugby and making it a truly great, global game for all. “I also want to acknowledge the huge number of people from our commercial partners, Provincial Unions, Investec Super Clubs and other rugby organisations, our players, World Rugby and other international unions, for their support and friendship. They are an incredibly hardworking, passionate group of people and it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege leading them. I also want to pay particular thanks to New Zealand Rugby’s staff. “I am immensely grateful to the Board for their ongoing support. “I’ve not made this decision lightly - it’s a job I love and I consider it an absolute privilege - but it is for those reasons, that I believe the time is right to step down. Our Chair Brent Impey and I also discussed when the best time would be to introduce some new blood and new leadership, to keep New Zealand Rugby at the top of our game. My wife, Michele, and I have been talking for some time about the best time for us to move on to some new challenges. “It has been a great privilege to hold this position and I’m grateful for every day that I have experienced. I believe the time is right for someone else to lead the organisation. “I’ve always been a great advocate for challenging convention and keeping New Zealand Rugby fresh and invigorated, whilst always encouraging our people to grow and extend themselves. “There are new and exciting changes coming as a result of the upcoming, new international calendar a changing broadcast environment as well as a new All Blacks Head Coach to be appointed so it’s the right time for me. “After much reflection, I’ve decided that this is the best time for me to make way for someone else to lead New Zealand Rugby into the future and a new phase for our national game.