Canterbury Rugby Union CEO announces resignation
Nathan Godfrey has resigned as CEO of the Canterbury Rugby Union. Godfrey is only the third Chief Executive to occupy this position, following in the footsteps of Steve Tew and Hamish Riach.
“I’m really proud of our achievements over the past 2 years; including re-positioning the CRFU brand as diverse and inclusive, introducing new technology that better connects our rugby clubs and schools, securing a commitment to build the new stadium in Christchurch, and celebrating the Canterbury Women’s and Men’s teams winning their respective NZ Championships in 2017.
“Developing the All Blacks ‘game of three halves’ match, and seeing it sold out, was also a special highlight” said Godfrey.
Godfrey remains open regarding the next chapter in his career. “I resigned before going on study sabbatical in August to complete my MBA, but out of respect for Hamish Riach’s departure as Crusaders CEO, I chose to delay my announcement until now”.
“In the short term my wife is returning to work from maternity leave and I’ll be ‘daddy day care’ to our 9-month old daughter Hazel” he joked.
At 40 years of age, and with commercial experience across four codes in Australia and New Zealand, Godfrey is confident his leadership skills are transferable inside or outside the sports industry: “ultimately my motivations lie in contributing to projects and brands that align with my core values” he said.
CRFU Chairman Pete Winchester acknowledged Godfrey’s positive contribution to Canterbury Rugby: “Nate has demonstrated strong leadership throughout a period of significant change for both the CRFU and Crusaders, and on behalf of the Board we thank him for his vision, energy and high standards. We remain committed to the diversity and inclusion plan that he has helped shape over the past 2 years”.
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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