Warriors CEO Cameron George headhunted to run New Zealand Rugby

The might of New Zealand Rugby wants what the NRL has, with Warriors boss Cameron George approached to jump codes to become their next CEO, reveals David Riccio.

Who would’ve thought it would come to this?

The might of New Zealand Rugby wants what the NRL has with Code Sports learning of an unofficial approach from the major sporting code to Warriors CEO Cameron George.

Sources with knowledge of the significant development have revealed that George was recently contacted by the well-placed figure of influence at NZR to discuss if he would be interested in leading the rival code across the Tasman by replacing departing CEO and former All Black Mark Robinson.

The position is widely considered to be one of the most important jobs in New Zealand - and not just in sport.

The phone call is proof that not only is George, who has been the Warriors CEO since 2017 and was also the chair of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing between 2020-2024, is highly-regarded by the rival code, he’s also viewed as a threat to the 15-man game in New Zealand.

The timing of the call is of equal significance.

Warriors CEO Cameron George has been sounded out for a code swap. Picture: Getty Images

On the back of the Warriors record crowd numbers, TV ratings, on-field success and an increasing property portfolio for the club, George is in the final stages of finalising a battle plan with the NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to break rugby union’s stranglehold at a grassroots and professional level in New Zealand.

As first revealed in The Sunday Telegraph in May, 2024, the NRL is poised to embark on the code’s most advanced infiltration of New Zealand rugby union with an investment plan that will be targeted at schools and culminate with a second team across the Tasman.

With their intimate knowledge of the region, George, alongside Warriors owner Mark Robinson, have been instrumental in the design of the strategic plan.

(L-R) Cameron George and Andrew Abdo have masterminded the NRL’s push in rugby heartlands in New Zealand.

Abdo is determined to take advantage of the Warriors record growth while in addition during a period of which crowds for Super Rugby in New Zealand have stagnated, if not declined, in recent years.

With the drive and backing of the NRL, the Warriors and the NZRL will no longer be responsible for the lion’s share of leading the charge of the game’s growth across the Tasman.

Under the new plan, the NRL would invest like never before in grassroots and the school systems.

The Warriors brand gained further momentum last Wednesday when it was announced retail giant Harvey Norman has joined the Warriors in a three-year partnership to grow and enhance the women’s game in New Zealand through its support of the club’s NRLW side.

Harvey Norman has linked up with the Warriors to establish a purpose-built pathways program for young girls across the country, in addition to supporting the women’s team and club culture.

Originally published as Warriors CEO Cameron George headhunted to run New Zealand Rugby