Just six days passed between Munster confirming Ian Flanagan’s departure as chief executive and announcing Avan Lee as his successor.
After being caught off guard on several occasions in recent times, Munster moved decisively this time, having their next CEO lined up almost immediately.
The province clearly regard Lee as a major appointment, describing the New Zealander in their announcement as “one of the most experienced executives in club rugby.”
The 51-year-old joins Munster as interim chief executive after spending the past decade leading the Wellington-based Hurricanes, one of New Zealand’s leading Super Rugby franchises.
However, Lee has made it clear that he does not view the position as a short-term assignment.
“It’s 12 months, as the interim, which is whatever you take from that. But from my perspective, my attitude is that it’s permanent,” Lee said yesterday.
“Once I do a good job, I’m sure that will happen. But I’m not coming over to look at a 12-month job. I feel like I’m leaving New Zealand for this opportunity.”
His commitment appears genuine, with Lee planning to relocate his entire family to Cork in the weeks ahead.
During his time in Wellington, Lee built a reputation as a composed, respected and highly capable CEO. The Hurricanes have been home to a long list of All Black greats, including Jonah Lomu, Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Ma’a Nonu, Jerry Collins, Beauden Barrett and Ardie Savea.
For years, though, the Hurricanes were viewed as something of a sleeping giant, regularly overshadowed in Super Rugby by the Crusaders and Chiefs.
That reputation shifted during Lee’s decade in charge. The franchise won its first historic Super Rugby title in 2016 and claimed another championship a few months after Lee left the role last year.
Lee was also praised for building an extensive commercial network in New Zealand and overseas, while helping to establish a strong internal culture. His eye for coaching appointments was another key strength. Chris Boyd, the experienced coach who later worked with Munster in a consultancy capacity, joined the Hurricanes as head coach early in Lee’s tenure.
The Hurricanes reached the Super Rugby final later that season before going one step further 12 months later. John Plumtree, Jason Holland and current head coach Clark Laidlaw were among the other influential appointments made during Lee’s time at the club.
Each made a significant contribution to the Hurricanes during their time in Wellington.
Lee was additionally credited with guiding the franchise through major difficulties, including the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hurricanes recorded a profit during each of the first six years of his tenure, an impressive achievement amid the wider financial problems affecting New Zealand rugby.
When Lee stepped down in November last year, then-Hurricanes chairman Iain Potter said: “He’s guided the club with integrity, professionalism, and vision through a decade of significant change. His contribution to our organisation, and to professional rugby in New Zealand cannot be overstated.”
Lee was born in Dargaville, the same Northland town associated with former Munster and Ireland out-half Joey Carbery, and grew up nearby in Whangarei. The eldest of three brothers, he played both cricket and rugby while growing up.
He has previously described himself as a “skinny” out-half or full-back during his playing days. Although he dreamed of becoming an All Black, Lee eventually realised that a professional playing career was unlikely and instead pursued sports administration, earning a degree in management studies and marketing.
Like many young New Zealanders, he later travelled abroad to gain experience and continue playing rugby. In Dublin, he worked in an entry-level marketing role during the week and represented Clontarf at weekends. It was also in the capital that he met his wife.
Lee returned to the region between 2013 and 2015 to work for World Rugby, the sport’s governing body. His previous experience also includes a year as commercial manager with Northland and senior positions with New Zealand Rugby between 2007 and 2012.
Lee’s in-tray will be stacked when he gets his feet under the desk at Munster’s headquarters in Cork later this month.
On the financial side of things, the province have recently been through a round of redundancies while the operation are set to post a loss of €1m for the second year in a row.
The findings of an Independent Governance and Organisational Review, which was commissioned in the wake of the Roger Randle debacle, is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.
Things have been equally turbulent on the pitch with Lee now overseeing a once-proud club, formerly a powerhouse of the European game, that has fallen on hard times.
A shallow squad, a revolving door of coaches, and dwindling attendances have been key issues for a long time.
Lee will soon discover other problems, with participation, pathways, and divided factions level all requiring attention.
It’s a big task and none of it will be fixed overnight , but it sounds like Lee is in this for the long haul.
‘My message to everyone connected with the province is simple: we are stronger when we stand together,’ he said yesterday.
‘If we unite behind a shared ambition and a commitment to excellence, I am confident Munster Rugby can achieve great things in the years ahead.’
We’ve witnessed a lot of false dawns at Thomond Park.
Lee will be hoping to buck that trend.
