Counties Manukau Rugby has today confirmed the appointment of Matt Megaw as the new Head of Community Rugby.

Megaw will take over from Scott Penney, who has moved to be the GM of Thames Valley Rugby.

Having grown up in Rotorua, Megaw has spent a long time in Auckland and brings extensive knowledge of community rugby to the table.

He has been the GM of University Rugby Club in Auckland for the past three years, helping the club navigate through the challenging COVID period while also growing participation numbers.

Prior to that, Megaw played rugby and worked overseas – in both Spain and Canada – while he has also held RDO and Director of Rugby roles for University.

CMRFU chief executive Aaron Lawton said it was important to get the right candidate to take on such an important role within the organisation and he was delighted with Megaw.

“We had some fantastic applicants for the position, and this was a very difficult choice,” Lawton explained. “But in the end, we felt that with Matt’s strong knowledge of the club scene and well documented management skills, he was the right man for the job, especially considering the ongoing club governance review.

“We would like to welcome him to the CMRFU family, and we look forward to the impact he will have in 2023.”

Megaw was thrilled to be given the opportunity.”

Counties Manukau is a proud Union and I have a lot of admiration for the way in which the organisation operates,” Megaw said.

“These are challenging times for the sport, and it is imperative that we work together to foster the development of the sport in club land.

“I know there will be challenges but I’m ready to do my bit to see the community game thrive in Counties Manukau.”

Megaw will start on February 20.