Conrad Smith appointed Head of Men's High Performance

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has appointed former All Black Conrad Smith as its Head of Men's High Performance.

The appointment reinforces NZR's commitment to a world-leading high-performance system that delivers sustained success through the development of exceptional players, coaches, match officials and support staff.

Smith will join NZR in early September and report to Director of High Performance Don Tricker. He will lead the delivery of the men's high-performance programme across the New Zealand game, including working closely with Super Rugby clubs and Provincial Unions.

Since retiring from professional rugby, Smith has remained closely connected to the sport at all levels, including serving on the Taranaki Rugby Union Board, volunteering as a referee and working as the Chief of Rugby Operations for the International Rugby Players Association.

Smith said the opportunity to contribute to the future of New Zealand rugby was one he was eager to take on.

"Rugby has given me so much throughout my life, and I'm looking forward to giving back.

“It's an exciting time for New Zealand Rugby, with outstanding people joining the organisation in the high performance space. To work alongside Don Tricker, Mike Collins and so many talented people across the game is something I am genuinely excited by.

“I look forward to developing systems where players, coaches, referees and support staff can all thrive. Sustainable success doesn't happen by accident. It is built over time through strong relationships, clear systems, quality decision-making and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.

“This role is about young boys and girls coming through community rugby, through our age-grade teams and being the best in the world in our national teams. That’s what inspires me.”

Director of High Performance Don Tricker said Smith's appointment strengthens NZR's ability to connect strategy with delivery across the men's pathway.

“Conrad brings an exceptional combination of lived experience, intellect and credibility. We are delighted to have recruited someone of Conrad’s standing and experience.

“He has seen all parts of the New Zealand rugby system through his own development and understands what excellence looks like at the highest level.

"This role is about strengthening the entire men's high performance pathway, from talent identification and development through to our national teams. Ultimately, we are developing people that our national teams want to pick and Conrad's ability to take people with him makes him exceptionally well placed to lead this work."
 

About Conrad Smith

All Black #1044, Conrad Smith played 94 Test matches for New Zealand between 2004 and 2015, scoring 130 points and winning the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015.

A graduate of Francis Douglas Memorial College and Victoria University of Wellington, Smith played his club rugby for Old Boys University in Wellington.

He is a qualified lawyer and has worked for the International Rugby Players Association as their Chief of Rugby Operations since 2018.

He has also recently become involved in refereeing in community rugby, continuing his contribution to the game from a new perspective.