Wellington Rugby Announces Interim CEO

Wellington Rugby has announced New Zealand Rugby Provincial Union Partnership Manager Josh Willoughby as Interim CEO through to the end of 2026.

Willoughby, who was CEO of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union from 2018 to 2022, takes up the role after the resignation of Wellington Rugby CEO Tony Giles who has stepped down to pursue other challenges.

Based in Wellington, Willoughby will be working with Wellington Rugby on secondment to guide the union through the remainder of the year.

“It’s a great opportunity to lead a union that was established in 1879 and has a long and proud history of success on the field and leadership off it. I know how passionate the Wellington Rugby community is about their people, clubs and competitions and look forward to working with our stakeholders to set them up for a successful 2027” Willoughby said.

Rotorua-born Willoughby was a midfielder for Poverty Bay, North Otago and played for New Zealand Universities during his time studying in Otago and has worked for NZR since 2022.

Wellington Rugby Chair Phil Holden said:

“Josh has a proven track record as a provincial CEO and has demonstrated his leadership skills through leading and managing the relationship between New Zealand Rugby and the Provincial Unions.

“He is well known and deeply respected within Wellington Rugby and is the ideal person to come in and assist Wellington as we launch our new strategy and chart a path forward into 2027 and beyond.”

For any enquiries contact

Phil Holden
Chair - Wellington Rugby Football Union
027 467 1670