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Download AudioNew Zealand Rugby’s new deputy chair says she’s up for the challenge.
Farah Palmer was voted into the role in a dramatic refresh of the top table.
Canterbury's Stewart Mitchell replaced retiring chair Brent Impey, beating out East Coast president Bailey Mackey.
Dr Palmer says challenges include the deal to sell a stake in New Zealand Rugby’s revenue to investment firm Silver Lake, improving relations with the Players Association, growing the women’s side of the game, concussion and getting community and club rugby to thrive again.
She rejects criticism the organisation is too focused on the All Blacks and Super Rugby, but fixing community rugby level means tackling complex social and cultural issues.
"It's about are we still relevant as a sport. Rangatahi are playing other sports so what can we do to make rugby and attractive option again and how can we change and adapt to make sure we are still something that will be relevant to our communities, our whānau, our school systems, and try to do things a little bit differently," Dr Palmer says.
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