Ospreys CEO Andrew Hore will replace Greg Harris as new Waratahs and NSWRU CEO, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
Hore has been with Ospreys for eight years, as chief operating officer and CEO, and will take over from Harris in mid-April.
With a background in sports science, Hore was involved in setting up New Zealand's first Rugby academy with Canterbuty Rugby.
Originally a strength and conditioning coach at the Crusaders, Hore moved to the Welsh Rugby Union in 2002 to become conditioning and player development manager.
Hore returned to New Zealand to head its high performance department from 2005-2008, before heading to Ospreys.
Waratahs Chairman, Roger Davis said he was excited about the appointment of Hore.
“As a seasoned administrator, with experience in international rugby circles, Andrew brings to the joint CEO role a unique set of competency skills that distinguished him from the other quality candidates in the global search,” he said.
“Andrew has expertise both on and off the field, in player development, high performance management, pathways expertise and coaching, as well as substantial knowledge about the importance of underpinning these capabilities with a strong level of commercial and Rugby performance.
Davis also paid tribute to departing CEO Harris for his contribution to NSW Rugby.
“Greg came into the organisation at a challenging time," he said.
"He oversaw the appointment of Head Coach, Daryl Gibson and contracted many of our current playing talent. In addition, he led the successful negotiations of the Venue Hire Agreement with the SCG Trust, ensuring Allianz Stadium as our home for the next 16 years".
