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Rugby League Northland Appoint New GM

Alex in his role with Wellington Rugby League

Rugby League Northland is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Smits to the role of Zone General Manager. Alex's previous role was Community Development Manager with the Wellington Zone.

Following ten years of playing rugby league overseas including in France and the UK and a couple of years working with the Rugby Football League in the UK in a development role, Alex returned to NZ and eventually took the position with Wellington Rugby League. When Alex started there two and a half years ago there were four schools in the area playing league, there are now 77. Getting schools back into league was a key focus for the team at the Zone and for Alex.

Bruce Peden, RL Northland Zone chair said "There were a number of strong candidates for the position but what set Alex apart was his structured approach, real passion for the game, and the fact that he was running programmes within schools - a key area we want to further develop. We think he has the drive and skills to continue and build on the foundation that has been laid in the area. As a board we are excited to have someone like Alex join the Rugby League Northland team."

Alex and wife Sarah are expecting their first child in a few months and are looking forward to making their new home in Northland. Alex replaces Rob Wakelin who was based in Auckland; Alex who plans to be based in Whangarei believes this will make him more efficient in the role long term.

Alex says he took the role because he can see the great opportunities for growth in the area and is looking forward to the lifestyle in Northland. He says his first job will be to get out and about and meet people and listen to what they can tell him about league in the region. Alex has had proven success with the 'Leadership through League' programme (In Touch, May 2011) which he hopes to introduce to the Zone in the longer term.

With his proven track record of success Alex hopes to quickly earn the respect of the locals and work with them to grow sponsorship and support for the game in the region.