CMRFU CEO Aaron Lawton to stand down in March

Counties Manukau Rugby will be on the lookout for a new chief executive after Aaron Lawton announced his resignation from the position this week.

Lawton, who started in the role in January of 2020, has led the Union through arguably its most successful period off the park through one of the most challenging times in history as he dealt with COVID and a game that was struggling to attract interest at provincial level across the country.

His tenure has taken the Union from troubled times to a strong financial position, while working to implement a selection philosophy at the top level that promotes local talent both in terms of players and coaches.

In addition, he has helped steer the Union and its members through its biggest governance restructure in the 21st century and seen community participation numbers grow significantly following the end to the COVID lockdowns.

The new governance structure for the CMRFU should lead to a much more engaged community game in the coming seasons and drive participation at the grassroots - something that has been a key area of focus during Lawton's tenure.

CMRFU Chairman Gary Millington is gutted to be losing Lawton but paid tribute to the huge amount of work and energy he has put into the job.

"Aaron has done a phenomenal job at the helm of our Union during some of the most difficult times our country and our sport has encountered," Millington said.

Lawton will be moving into the role of CEO for Hamilton-based charitable trust services provider Maxserv and will start in the new role in April.

He will remain with CMRFU through until next year's AGM in March and will assist in the search for his replacement.

Lawton said the decision to leave was one of the hardest he'd ever made.

"I came to Counties Manukau looking for a job opportunity and ended up finding a deep sense of belonging in this community, so much so I moved my family here at the start of this year," he said.

"The job has not been without its challenges but I've loved every minute of it and feel like the Union is now set up for someone fresh to come in and take it to the next level.