Steve Tew, Ex-CEO of NZ Rugby on Career Highlights, Biggest Regrets, Leadership Lessons & More!
Published 2024-06-09
His administrative legacy in rugby in NZ may be unmatched.
He steered the ship when NZ held all 4 World Cups at once, he navigated a Respect and Responsibility Review, and inked two critical sponsorship deals.
In this podcast, we talk about his relationship with Steve Hansen and the time they discovered Richie McCaw, The Chiefs 2016 "stripper-gate scandal", observations of the Professor Wayne Smith, lessons in leadership and all the best stories in between.
#nzsport #nzrugby #nzpodcast
0:00 The importance of a cold Steinlager Classic…and the contrast of being a lowkey pyromaniac
2:43 Men of Action: thoughts on male friendships
4:53 The life of a CEO in New Zealand sport
13:58 The beginnings of Steve Tew
22:05 The 1981 Springbok Tour
29:01 Getting a start in rugby with Canterbury
37:08 Steve Hansen and Richie McCaw
41:50 The Professor: Wayne Smith
46:48 Court sessions, and connecting with players
51:11 Missing out on the CEO role at NZ Rugby
55:04 The importance of relationships
1:04:40 Learning from losing
1:08:54 From the highs of RWC 2011 to the lows of 2016
1:19:37 Rugby and friendship
1:22:08 Thoughts on leadership
1:27:34 Professional highlights and the decision to leave NZ Rugby
1:32:27 Thoughts on women’s rugby
1:37:39 Post-rugby career at Sport New Zealand
1:41:00 Family life
1:48:10 Reflections on life
1:49:29 The Paris Olympics
1:50:51 Lessons learned over time
1:54:55 Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Stev
All Comments (10)
-
You're an absolute legend Steve.
-
Hi guys. Love that you picked up on the Great Humans theme that was there with Ali, and Emma Twigg. I believe Zion Armstrong may have touched on it too. I do wonder if a lot of these high performing Kiwis are too close to the culture to realise that that is what New Zealand sport is aiming to do. I feel that New Zealand is moving away from the Tall Poppy syndrome, but they still police a strong 'No D*ckheads' policy. It's reflected in the concept that no one is bigger than the jersey. I remember my brother Michael talking to a room full of staunch Kiwi military and reducing them to proud tears by pointing out that the Silver of the Silver Fern is tucked away underneath. Not shy, but not brash either. I really enjoy how the two of you are able to consistently access this pride and kiwi culture from your array of humble guests. Nice work.
-
No doubt Tew was a great Administrator for NZ Rugby. He’s very likeable and I warm to him. He grew up 2km from where I did… BUT.. when he said after leaving his NZR role he’s stayed out of things.. that is not true. He campaigned for Foster. He should have been challenged about this by the podcasters, who I also like very much.
-
interesting Steve made a stand against a rugby teaming being pick by race in 1981 touring nz ... thought the follow up question should have been how that stand compared to a side in new zealand being picked on race, but you guys didn't ask it
-
Remembered as the guy that anointed Mark Robinson.
-
Jake and rassie is the best coaches
-
Bulls gonna get the crown in 2024
-
Really wished you'd asked him about concussion and NZ rugby's archaic stance that 'more research needs to be done.' Opportunity missed.
-
Bulls won Ierland
