Tony Philp has today been confirmed as interim CEO of the Hurricanes as part of a newly-announced ownership structure following the sale by Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU) of its stake in the club.
WRFU have been a 50% shareholder in the Club since private investment was introduced in 2012. WRFU’s sale of their shares in the Hurricanes is part of a required recapitalisation of the Union.
NZ Sport Investment Limited (NZSI), a joint venture between Malcolm Gillies and Summit Capital Limited, has acquired WRFU’s 50% shareholding, with the support of NZR and the other existing shareholders Y11 Sports Group, Richard Mansell and the Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union.
WRFU Chair Phil Holden said securing the long-term sustainability of the WRFU has been a priority focus for the board.
“Selling our shares in the Hurricanes was necessary to recapitalise WRFU. Malcolm and NZSI will bring real energy and focus to the Hurricanes. We are pleased to retain a seat on the Hurricanes board which will ensure strategic alignment between WRFU and the Hurricanes,” he said.
Malcolm Gillies is well known in Upper Hutt and across the Wellington region as the principal of Gillies Group and is part owner of NZCIS, a first-class sports facility in Trentham and the current training and operational base of the Hurricanes. Gillies, who has recently joined the board, will become Chair of the Hurricanes.
John Mallon, director of Summit Capital, has also joined the Board, along with Peter Thomas, CEO of Gillies Group Facilities Management.
NZR will become a minority investor in the Hurricanes as part of a comprehensive re-financing of both the Hurricanes and WRFU. The refinancing package includes loan arrangements for both organisations and a new capital raise by the Hurricanes’, in which NZR will participate. NZR will appoint board members to both the Hurricanes and the WRFU.
Sir Paul Collins retired from the board in August following a 26-year association with the Hurricanes, both as a director and shareholder. His contribution to the success of the Hurricanes over a long period of time has been greatly appreciated by all stakeholders.
“The professional rugby environment and the economic climate generally, remains challenging and the Hurricanes have not been immune”, said outgoing Chair, Iain Potter.
“The last few years have been difficult for the Hurricanes financially, with operating losses up to and including the last financial year, where we are likely to post a loss of $2 million.”
Gillies said: “NZSI is committed to providing the necessary leadership and resources to ensure the Canes remain highly competitive, but we have work to do to improve the financial performance of the organisation as well as support the growth of the Hurricanes and Poua programmes.”
This has been reflected in the appointment of outgoing GM Rugby, Tony Philp, as interim Hurricanes CEO.
The Hurricanes had previously announced that Philp would depart the club at the end of January. However, he will now stay on as CEO to provide stability and leadership for the season ahead.
“Tony is a respected member of the New Zealand rugby community, and I’m delighted he has agreed to stay with the club to help us drive the Hurricanes forward in 2026,” Gillies said.
NZR Chair David Kirk said the WRFU and the Hurricanes and Poua are critical parts of the pathway for developing All Blacks and Black Ferns and important contributors to the delivery of outstanding community rugby experiences for participants in the lower North Island.
“As we have done previously with other provincial unions and Super Rugby clubs, NZR is providing temporary financial support in the form of loan facilities on acceptable terms and a capital injection we expect to recover, to help both organisations get on a firm financial footing again. This is backed up with governance arrangements to support both organisations in their financial recovery.”
Phil Holden said: “We have greatly appreciated the support of NZR over the last few months as we have managed the impact of the 2025 result and worked through the shareholding changes.”
