A new person is at the helm of the New Zealand Rugby Union’s professional contracts and high performance teams.

Neil Sorensen, who currently manages the NZRU’s Rugby Operations team, is to take up the position of Professional Rugby Manager, replacing Steve Lancaster, who has taken up the role of High Performance Manager with the Crusaders.

Sorensen has been with the NZRU for five years and as manager of the NZRU’s Rugby Operations team oversaw the management of all NZRU tournaments, teams and inbound tours. 

“This is a crucial role within the NZRU and Neil is well placed to lead this side of the organisation,” NZRU Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew said.

“Neil will lead the good work which is already being done in our high performance team, which has the collective aim of developing the best-performing players in world rugby.

“As well, we are continually working on ways to make the rugby environment in New Zealand attractive to our professional players. The Players Collective Agreement signed last year has certainly gone a long way to achieving that and Neil and the rest of the contracts team will continue to work with the Players Association and build on that good work,” Mr Tew said.

Mr Tew said Sorensen would also oversee the NZRU’s medical and injury prevention team.

“This is a vitally important area for not only the professional game but for all levels of rugby.  Excellent progress is being made in the injury prevention areas through our work with ACC on the RugbySmart programme, as well as other initiatives,” he said.