The Manawatū Rugby Union have confirmed Doug Tietjens as its new Chief Executive.

The former Turbos openside flanker returns to the union having spent the past three years with New Zealand Rugby as Head of Provincial Union Relations.

Tietjens was selected after a robust application process which saw 32 expressions of interest and 12 applications.

The appointments panel, including MRU Board Deputy Chair and former Turbos loose forward Bertus Mulder, 29-game Manawatū outside back and former Palmerston North Boys’ High School coaching legend Joe Schmidt, former Manawatū representative and businessman Stu Fleming, and New Zealand Rugby’s people and capability manager Kirsty Donbavand, were impressed by Tietjens’ management skills, business acumen and passion for the Manawatū province.

Board Chair Tim Myers said he was delighted with the appointment of Tietjens in the vitally important CEO role.

“We’re looking forward to Doug getting his feet under the desk. We are confident that Doug’s experience and deep stakeholder commitment will enable him to hit the ground running,” he said. “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank the Appointments Committee for their diligence and for their general support of our union.”

Tietjens said it was a special moment when he was informed of his appointment.

“I’m really excited and privileged by the opportunity to lead such a proud province that has a strong legacy in rugby in New Zealand,” he said. "I am very fortunate with my relationship to the union as a player and with previous roles in both the community rugby and high-performance part of the business, it has given me great perspective and understanding of what the province needs and allowed me to develop a number of strong relationships.

“My current role with New Zealand Rugby has given me a new lens on how I see things and the opportunities that Manawatū can leverage as a rugby business. New Zealand Rugby is challenging provincial unions to re-imagine rugby and Manawatū needs to continue to re-imagine the game. This will require innovation and new ways of operating and will require stakeholder engagement and support to ensure the game is relevant and at the heart of this community. It’s an exciting time for Manawatū Rugby and the community.”

Tietjens, a Palmerston North Boys’ High School old boy, first came onto the MRU radar in 2004 when he joined the Manawatū Academy.

After heading away to study in Dunedin, he returned to Manawatū making his debut for the Turbos against Hawke’s Bay in 2008 becoming Manawatū representative number 1555. He went on to play 40 games in green and white, earning a call up to the Highlanders in Super Rugby.

His association with Manawatū Rugby continued when he hung the boots up.

Tietjens served as the union’s Coach Development Manager from 2015 before taking on the Academy Manager role in 2018.

In 2019, he moved to Brisbane where he served as the General Manager of Sunnybank Rugby Club before returning to Palmerston North and taking on his NZR role in 2021.

While at the sport’s national body, he has remained deeply connected with Manawatū community rugby through his children.

Tietjens and wife Chrissy are owners of Palmerston North based florist store By Dawn.

He replaces Andrea Jackson in the Chief Executive role after her resignation in December last year. Game Development and Operations Manager Shaun Eade has served in an interim capacity since.

His first day with Manawatū Rugby will be Wednesday 13 March.

Article added: Tuesday 13 February 2024