BCRU “Parts Ways” with CEO David Newson: John Tait to Serve as Interim CEO
I never met David Newson, which is unusual in my role as editor of BCRN, I knew and met all the previous CEO’s but Newson seemed like the type of person who did the obligatory glad handing but never reached out beyond that. He didn’t seem very ambitious in growing rugby in BC. Here’s the article we put up when he was hired in 2022.
I had one expectation for him when he started, since he came from a local BC hockey background as Director of the Semiahmoo Minor Hockey Association, that he would elevate the BC Rugby league management to at least the level of Junior ‘A’ hockey in BC. You go to the BCHL website and you can get rosters, stats, schedule, all sorts of interesting information on the teams and players. The BCRU has a kludgy online system based out of Ireland that has the schedule, that’s it, no player stats or rosters. I figured he would at least know the people in BC hockey operating the BCHL and get rugby up to that standard in league management and reporting. Not to be, no change there.
My second wish for the new CEO is look at operating the BC Premier at arms length from its community rugby leagues. The BC Premier needs its own identity and operating board to be able market the league properly and perhaps even look at generating revenue. As long as it keeps operating as a community rugby league, treated the same as Div 3, it’s not going to reach its potential. Enough on that for now. Congrats to John Tait on the interim appointment, and we’ll see what the new year brings.
from BCRU
BC Rugby mutually parts ways with Chief Executive Officer David Newson
BC Rugby and its Board of Directors has agreed to mutually part ways with David Newson as the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.
BC Rugby is grateful to David for his commitment and good work since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in July 2022, and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
The Board of Directors believes that this change is necessary to ensure we deliver on our strategic objectives moving forward and provide sustainability for the years ahead as we continue to grow, develop, and manage the sport of Rugby in BC.
Effective immediately, BC Rugby Technical Director John Tait will serve as Interim CEO until a new Chief Executive Officer is appointed. John brings a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of the sport and excellent leadership skills that will help guide the organisation through this transitional period.
The BC Rugby Board of Directors has appointed a Search Committee to conduct a comprehensive search for our next Chief Executive Officer. This process will unfold over the coming months, and more information will be announced in due course.
BC Rugby will be making no further statement at this time.