Sene Naoupu returns home to lead North Otago Rugby Football Union. Photo: Supplied
The North Otago Rugby Football Union have appointed Sene Naoupu as chief executive officer, making her the first Pasifika woman to lead a New Zealand Rugby provincial union.
Naoupu (née Taiti-Fanene), who is of Samoan decent from the villages Vaie'e Safata and Lotoso'a Saleimoa, has also played 48 times for Ireland's 15s side.
Making her debut for Ireland in 2015, Naoupu retired from international rugby in 2022.
Away from the field, she has led global and national strategies for sports governing bodies, player bodies, commercial rights holders and healthcare services.
After moving to Ireland in 2009, Naoupu said she is is looking forward to returning home to Aotearoa.
Sene Naoupu in action for Ireland. Photo: Supplied
"I'm honoured to be appointed CEO of my home provincial union. This role holds deep, personal significance as I return to where my rugby journey began after 15 years abroad.
"I'm grateful for the international opportunities to contribute to the game at every level, globally, nationally and regionally and have gained insights and experiences from world-class people, organisations, competitions and teams.
"Now it's a privilege to help future-proof rugby in my home province. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community and family, especially my mother who needs me nearby, and build on the strong legacy that was led by Colin Jackson the past 20 years."
NORFU board chair Warren Prescott said Naoupu's appointment came after a thorough recruitment process.
"Sene has a broad range of entrepreneurial and management skills and her genuine passion for our rugby community made her the ideal candidate for the role.
"She has made an immense contribution to rugby locally and globally. We are thrilled to have her onboard."
Naoupu will officially step into the role next month.