Sene Naoupu appointed new CEO of North Otago Rugby Football Union

Media release sent on behalf of North Otago Rugby Football Union

North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) are proud to announce the appointment of Irish rugby legend Sene Naoupu (née Taiti-Fanene) as their new CEO.

The appointment marks a historic day in rugby as Naoupu, who’s also of Samoan decent from the villages Vaie’e Safata and Lotoso’a Saleimoa, becomes the first Pasifika female CEO of a New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Provincial Union.

Her CV demonstrates her achievements and experiences owning her own business, leading equality campaigns and strategic projects for governing bodies, player bodies, commercial rights holders and healthcare services. In addition to her stand-out skillset Naoupu’s international rugby playing career saw her earn 48 caps for Ireland since making her debut in 2015.

After moving to Ireland in 2009, Naoupu said she is is looking forward to returning home to Aotearoa and excited by the opportunity.

“I’m honoured to be appointed CEO of my home Provincial Union. This role holds deep, personal significance as I return to where my rugby journey began after 15 years abroad,” Naoupu said.

“I’m grateful for the international opportunities to contribute to the game at every level, globally, nationally and regionally and have gained insights and experiences from world-class people, organisations, competitions and teams.

“Now it’s a privilege to help future-proof rugby in my home province. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community and family, especially my mother who needs me nearby, and build on the strong legacy that was led by Colin Jackson the past 20 years.

“While I am fully committed to my role as CEO, I value Warren’s (Prescott) leadership as Chairman and the NORFU board’s support for my ongoing international engagements through a pivotal upcoming Rugby World Cup year.”

Outgoing NORFU CEO Colin Jackson showed his support for Naoupu and reflected on his time in the role.

“It’s been a pleasure to manage North Otago for the past two decades. I leave with so many memories, a multitude of rugby experiences and friendships for life,” Jackson said.

“I care passionately about the future of North Otago rugby and when I was told about Sene’s appointment, I could not have thought of a better person. Sene has all the credentials to be a smart and innovative leader and she brings so much international rugby knowledge. I wish her all the very best and she has my unconditional support.”

NORFU Board Chairman Warren Prescott announced Naoupu’s appointment following a thorough recruitment process.

“Sene has a broad range of entrepreneurial and management skills and her genuine passion for our rugby community made her the ideal candidate for the role. She has made an immense contribution to rugby locally and globally. We are thrilled to have her onboard,” Prescott said.

NZR General Manager Community Rugby Steve Lancaster also expressed his support.

“On behalf of NZR I’d like to congratulate Sene on her appointment as CEO. This is a significant milestone and an exciting time for North Otago, a proud Union in our Heartland group. We wish her all the best in the new role and looking forward to seeing the impact she will have on our rugby community,” Lancaster said.

Naoupu will officially step into the role next month and be welcomed at a mihi whakatau (welcome) event held by the Union and Oamaru Pacific Island Trust on November 26.

Bio
Sene Naoupu is a former international rugby player for Ireland who made her debut in 2015. The following year in 2016, Naoupu was listed by the Irish Times as one of the 30 most influential women in Ireland. She went on to earn 48 caps for the 15s side before retring in 2022.

Away from the field, Naoupu has led global and national strategies for sports governing bodies, player bodies, commercial rights holders and healthcare services. She’s also a record-breaking broadcaster across Rugby World Cup, Olympics, Guinness Six Nations and Sky Super Rugby Aupiki. Naoupu continues to champion equality in sport and business, promoting the visiblity of gender inclusiveness and diversity.