Incoming chief ready for kickoff

Forming connections with the eleven Thames Valley Rugby Union clubs will be Scott Penney’s first point of contact as the new chief executive.
The former head of community rugby for Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union replaces Paul Nisbet, who passed on his resignation in September after six months with the union for a new sport and recreation role in Auckland.
Scott told The Profile, he was “really excited” to don the chief executive jersey on January 16.
“I’ve grown up in Counties but have always had a little bit of passion for the Valley with friends that live there, and to be given the opportunity to be leading that little place is really exciting for me,” he said.
“Because I’ve worked in the commercial side and the community side [for four years] with Counties, a lot of it is crossover so I got to know the [TVRFU] staff, and a fair bit of Counties spend a lot of time in the Coromandel over the summer.”
Scott, who is also a former South Auckland police officer, said the new role would allow him to hone his skills.
“I’m really keen to develop as a person and being CEO of a place like Thames Valley gives me the opportunity to learn,” he said.
“[TVRFU] has a lot of passionate people and a very passionate board that is willing to give me a go.
“I know the community of Thames Valley has seen a revolving door a few times at my level, the CEO level, so it would be quite good to get a bit of contunity going but it’s definitely a few years in my time hopefully,” he said.
Scott said his first priority would be forming connections with all Thames Valley clubs.
“A big thing for me is connection, right through grassroots it is connections and getting to see what the community wants and how we can help our great game grow,” he said.
“I look forward to meeting all the clubs right through from junior to senior and see what we can develop.”
Scott said he would be commuting from Pukekohe to the Valley office in Paeroa during his time as chief executive.
“It’s only an hour’s travel for me but that’s nothing when I travel more than an hour around Auckland to pick up my children from sport on a daily basis,” he said.
“But my mum lives in the Karangahake Gorge and I’ve got a few family connections all through Coromandel so I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to get myself around.”