RIP Steve Hinds

World Rugby Citing Commissioner Manager Steve Hinds has passed away in his native New Zealand following a short illness.

A driving force behind new standards of alignment and accuracy in rugby’s off-field disciplinary processes, Hinds was one of the sport’s most respected and experienced rugby administrators, having been a central figure in SANZAAR, New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby disciplinary processes for more than 20 years.

In a distinguished career, Hinds was a citing commissioner at three consecutive men’s Rugby World Cups in 2007, 2011 and 2015 before joining World Rugby in July 2017 where he oversaw the team of citing commissioners at Rugby World Cups 2019, 2021 and 2023 alongside other major events, including rugby sevens.

In his role with the international federation, Hinds was responsible for the management of World Rugby’s panel of citing commissioners, including the training, education, performance review and recommendation of members for elite international matches. He was also responsible for managing the pathway of citing personnel from domestic level to the international arena in partnership with national member unions, attracting numerous former players to the role. Under his leadership, he developed a team that truly reflects the modern and emerging game, identifying and training countless men and women from around the globe to create an elite team.

Known as a gentle giant off the field, Hinds played competitive club rugby in New Zealand, playing more than 100 Premier games for Marist St Pats and the Wellington Lions in the 1970s and 1980s.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont led the tributes, saying: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone associated with World Rugby are with his partner Cheryl, and all of Steve’s family and many friends in the global rugby family at this very sad and difficult time.

“Steve’s dedication, professionalism, and passion for the sport were second to none and his impact should not be underestimated. As World Rugby’s first full-time Citing Commissioner Manager he was instrumental in modernising the game’s citing processes, achieving new levels of alignment and unity across competitions because of his wonderful ability to bring people together, to solve issues and unite around a common cause. Steve’s passing leaves a huge void, not just within World Rugby, but across the entire rugby family.”

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “Steve was a much-loved, admired and respected colleague and will be greatly missed by everyone at World Rugby. We extend our deepest sympathies to Steve’s wonderful partner Cheryl who has been a tower of strength during this tough period of time.

“With his extensive experience and intimate knowledge of both the rugby playing and disciplinary landscape Steve was a driving force in creating greater connectivity between the disciplinary process and the modern rugby environment and he leaves a legacy of great progression in this important area of the game.”

World Rugby Director of Rugby Phil Davies said: “Steve was a wonderful colleague and friend and over the two and a half years we worked together in the match officiating space. His knowledge, wisdom and wit is something we will all miss dearly. He had a fantastic way with people and built a truly professional and comprehensive citing programme throughout the world that has served rugby so well and will continue to do so as part of his legacy.

“It was truly an honour to have worked with Steve and he will be remembered fondly by all those he touched throughout the global game with his warm, friendly and gentle manner. Rest in peace.”