Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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Nice to back in New Zealand after a very positive few days in San Diego around the All Blacks vs Fiji game on Friday night. We had heaps of activities on and off the field and are encouraged as we reflect on the next steps and opportunities in the US, particularly on the West Coast. The snaps below tell the stories of some great experiences. It was nice to see former All Black Ben Smith and Will Jordan helping out with our All Blacks Clinics with over 100 kids. Learning the haka then performing it back to the All Blacks at Captain's Run was a special finish to the two-day clinic. Todd Clever (pictured with Will and I), a former USA Eagle great, was also there supporting the Clinic with all of the great work he does in philanthropic and community work. We had the chance to meet up with the Los Angeles Rams – Beauden and a few other players took the time to do a skills session with some of the Rams and feel what it’d be like playing with the pads and helmets! As part of the connection, it was a privilege to be able to join a small group of people from the All Blacks, LA Rams and Navy SEALs discussing a wide range of issues on leadership. I’m pictured here with Sean McVay, the Super Bowl-winning coach of the Rams, who is a great guy. We also spent time with USA Rugby and World Rugby discussing the long-term challenges and opportunities in the US as we look to work together to build a road map towards RWC 2031 and 2033. Understanding the markets and fans will be critical to this, as well as working hard to create opportunities that other national unions and maybe professional club teams want to become part of in coming years. In that regard we need to recognise and thank Fiji Rugby Union for having the ambition to try something different. It was great to hear the positive stories they also enjoyed from the week. It was also great to meet up with Kiwis doing great things on different stages in the US – Don Tricker, Sean Marks, Tim Brown and Anthony Mosse amongst many others – are special New Zealanders who we’re proud to call friends of the game and provided great insights to us at many levels from their time there. We staged a number of cool events where the creative minds and energy were exciting to witness, with a view to the future. And finally, the game itself was a brilliant event at many levels! Over 33,000 fans from all over the US and different parts of the world, with a fantastic atmosphere where the All Blacks were able to prevail over an extremely tough, physical Fiji team. It’s always nice to pass over a trophy to a smiling captain! It capped off a nice week for the team where the players all enjoyed the experience. A big thanks to all the local authorities in San Diego who took care of us. And as always, a massive thanks to our great people at New Zealand Rugby, it’s been a huge few weeks and hopefully they’re getting a bit of down time now!
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James William de Mortimer
CEO/FCMO @ Mortimer Media / NED @ STADIUUM / 5x Award-winning writer (allblacks.com) / 20+ years Marketing, Events and Media (TNT sports, Compass Group, Super Rugby, Wagamama, IBM) /$3M raised with Start-ups
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That's a really great summary Mark.Hard to ignore the feeling that you and the team are doing great things and that the game is trending upwards.With the Los Angeles Rams connection, is there something formal occuring in this space. If there is a Trojan horse of sorts for the US I'd wager the National Football League (NFL) is part of that.Great start to the season.Geez it gets tough from here but know Razor and the lads wouldn't have it any other way.Last but not least, LOVE the clinics. Special way to get into the market.
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Joseph Harawira
Leading Growth and Innovation as CEO of Wai Mānuka | MBA, Business Mentor, Serial Entrepreneur
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Awesome update mate! The crowd looked epic and it was great seeing a test played at that level on a fast track in those conditions. What a way to showcase the game in a key market. Well done 👏🏽
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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😂👊 great to see the family around KD!!
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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It was great to catch up in France last year Alicia Lenzeand it’s fantastic to see this work coming together now and momentum continuing to grow! Looking forward to seeing some of the SAP team in Sydney next month too. All the best 👊
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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First day in San Francisco today ahead of the All Blacks vs Fiji in San Diego on Friday. Here I am with Chris Lendrumfrom New Zealand RugbyExec team on campus atStanford Universityhaving a general look around and shooting some content! First time for me to Stanford and it’s an impressive place. And then over a fantastic ‘working dinner’ tonight with a range of super interesting people from a range of backgrounds from the Stanford / Silicon Valley area I was fortunate to meet Ryan Nece. Ryan is doing a fantastic job transitioning from being a former professional athlete and Super Bowl winner to an investor and leader in the business world - he was great to chat to. Thanks to Ben Andersonfor hosting! Looking forward to another interesting day tomorrow before heading to San Diego on Tuesday afternoon to meet up with our team.
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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Exciting news to have our first female in the Vice President's seat - congratulations Erin Rush 🏡! And also to Matthew Cooper after being elevated to President - you will both be great ambassadors for New Zealand Rugby. Big thanks to Max Spence for all he gave to the presidential suite over the last few years, following the conclusion of his term at today's AGM.
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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The history and heritage of rugby is something special, and it's great to be able to celebrate the Invincibles' place in the All Blacks legacy this weekend. How cool to have a whistle that was used 100 years ago being used on Saturday at Eden Park, New Zealand!
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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Wishing Scott, Razor and the All Blacks group all the best as they kick off their 2024 season tonight. Having spent some time with the team during the week, I’ve seen they’re focused and really looking forward to facing England in front of a sold-out crowd under the roof in Dunedin.With the Māori All Blacks taking on the Japan XV at 9pm (right after the All Blacks game), it’s a big night for rugby fans!
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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Rugby holds a special place in communities across the country, and because of that, we feel the game can help contribute to conversations and drive positive change in our communities. This video addresses taking a stand against domestic abuse, which is a wider societal issue in Aotearoa. We’ve not always got it right in rugby, but over recent years we’ve introduced important safeguarding and violence protection initiatives such as harm-free workplace training for our staff, Safe Clubs Safe Kids, police vetting for junior coaches and referees, and health relationship and harm prevention education for professional players. It’s great to see our Teams in Black supporting this conversation. I’m also very proud that all the voices you hear in this clip are members of NZR staff or their families, leading by example in this important discussion🖤For more info or to seek support, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dsXV25Rh
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Mark Robinson
Chief Executive Officer at New Zealand Rugby
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We’re so proud of this partnership! 🖤👊 Bjorn Gulden Günter WeiglKerryn (KEER-ən) Foster
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