The Auckland Rugby Union has a new Board Chairman in Stu Mather. Following on the back of 12 months of significant change with a new CEO in Jarrod Bear, a new Mitre 10 Cup coach in Alama Ieremia, and a new Board Director in All Black legend Keven Mealamu. Elected on the 18^th of December at the first board meeting after the ARU 2017 AGM, Mr Mather is now charged with leading NZ’s largest Provincial Union.

Stu Mather has a clear vision for success “a cohesive, progressive, innovative, and winning organisation both on and off the field is vital for the success of Auckland Rugby. Having coached Men’s and Women’s rugby and being involved in Club administration and team management for many years, I am well positioned to work with the fantastic range of skills around our board table and within ARU to best deliver for our stakeholders.”

The Auckland Rugby Union and Stu Mather would also like to acknowledge the contribution of outgoing Chair, Mike Donovan. “Mike has contributed significantly to Auckland Rugby in what has been a very challenging environment”, said Mather.

Mr. Mather concluded, “It is a great privilege to be elected Chair of the Auckland Rugby Union and I would like to thank the ARU Board for their confidence in me.”

Stu Mather’s passion for rugby and the development of rugby in Auckland is unquestionable with his contribution, ranging from his playing days from 1984 through to 1999. Stu made a number of Auckland sides including 4 years in the Auckland B squad and also played off shore in the UK and America for a number of seasons.

Stu quickly transitioned his passion for the game into administration, team coaching and management being involved across multiple levels, including (but not limited to): Joining the Auckland University Rugby Football Club committee in 1985, Senior Delegate (2004 – Present), coached and managed U19s, U21s, Reserves, Premiers and Women’s, Assistant Manager of Auckland Colts (2015 – 17), and a liaison officer for Mitre 10 and Super Rugby teams, as well as the All Blacks over the last 13 years.

Stu is also the current Chair of Auckland Rugby Union’s Council of Delegates; a position he has held since 2016.