Collins to head home

After four highly successful years at the helm, Bond University Director of Sport Michael Collins has announced his resignation.

The reason for his departure is a good one – he has been appointed Chief Rugby Officer for New Zealand Rugby.

In the newly-created national role, Collins has been entrusted with shaping the future of rugby right across New Zealand including making a major contribution to the success of New Zealand’s provincial and national sides.

Ahead of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, it promises to be a critical period for one of international sport's most recognisable entities - the famous All Blacks.

He said the opportunity to work closely with NZRU at such an important time was irresistible. 

“Having spent half my life involved in rugby union, the opportunity to work for New Zealand Rugby across professional rugby and amateur rugby was too good to pass up,” he said.

“I feel like skills and experience gained over the years have guided me to this opportunity.”

Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Tim Brailsford praised Collins for overseeing an extraordinary run of on-field wins, but emphasised the importance of Collins’ work away from competition.

“Off the field is where Mike has made such a substantial contribution in his quiet, unassuming but effective way,” he said.

“He has demonstrated the qualities that made him such an admired player with a team-first approach. 

“We celebrate and congratulate Mike on his appointment, while also recognising his contribution to Bond Sport. 

“This is a key role leading into the upcoming Rugby World Cup and we understand the wonderful opportunity that this role presents.”

Collins is no stranger to elite-level rugby. 

The former New Zealand U19, U21 and New Zealand ‘A’ representative also played more than 70 games as a front rower for Waikato. He also served as Waikato’s captain.

He headed up Taranaki Rugby for several years before joining Super Rugby franchise Waikato Chiefs as CEO. Waikato played finals in four of Collins’ five years there. 

Collins, who arrived at Bond in 2022 having skilfully steered the Chiefs through the Covid pandemic, has overseen an extraordinary rise in the Bull Sharks’ sporting fortunes.

This culminated in the Bull Sharks' most successful sporting year in 2025 during which it won premierships in AFL, Men’s and Women’s Premier Rugby and Netball. 

In swimming, Bond has won successive national championships and next month four members of Bond’s Swimming program will compete at the Commonwealth Games.

Bond has also retained the Doug Ellis ‘per capita’ Cup at the University National Championships in every year under Collins’ tenure.

“There is no secret formula behind Bond Sport’s recent success,” he said.

“We have some outstanding, talented students, experienced coaches, world-class facilities and support right across the University from the faculties to professional services and the University Management Committee.

“Everyone involved wants everyone else to succeed.”

Brailsford said under Collins’ leadership the quality of coaching had risen ‘exponentially’, as had the quality and breadth of the support structures which leveraged off academic partnerships within the faculties.

“This is a win-win as it expands student opportunity and enhances the student experience. Sport has become integral to the Bond brand," he said.

“Mike has driven a higher level of professionalism, embraced the Bull Shark spirit and added a sharper commercial lens to our opportunities in sport to engage with national and international sporting bodies and associated teams.

“One example is our excellent relationship with World Aquatics, and the international development program that Bond now hosts.”

Collins is still eyeing off more silverware for the remainder of Bond Sport’s winter season before departing on September 4.