The Herald reported in October that NZR general manager of community rugby Steve Lancaster had been elevated to interim chief executive as Robinson prepares to exit his six-year post.
Lancaster’s interim chief executive appointment has been communicated within New Zealand rugby circles, with the provincial unions, among other stakeholders, having been informed.
Lancaster, the former lock who shares close ties to All Blacks coach Scott Robertson because they played together at the Crusaders, is something of a back-to-the-future appointment.
Even though Lancaster is among NZR’s executive team and has an inherent understanding of New Zealand community rugby, he lacks elite high-performance and large-scale commercial experience.
NZR general manager of professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum is the more obvious internal successor to Robinson but, unlike Lancaster, it’s understood he did not apply for the chief executive position.
Following Robinson’s resignation in June, NZR engaged recruitment company Sheffield to scour the globe for potential replacements.
The Herald understands Sheffield approached Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich, Sport New Zealand and former Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle and One New Zealand boss Jason Paris.
All, however, are understood to have declined to apply.
Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge is another to have ruled himself out of contention.
Former New Zealand Cricket boss David White, who is now leading the United Arab Emirates T20 league, is believed to be among those shortlisted to replace Robinson.
Six Nations CEO and former England and Wales Cricket Board boss Tom Harrison, too, is understood to be in the mix and considered a strong contender.
Some of those prospective candidates told the Herald NZR’s pitch to replace Robinson was weighted in favour of international business experience rather than institutional rugby knowledge.