Ex Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee: Ins and Outs of Running a Super Rugby Franchise

Running a Super Rugby franchise looks glamourous from the outside. The reality is a whole lot tougher. On the DSPN, Marty sits down with Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee as he prepares to step away after more than a decade in the role. Avan reflects on the highs of winning in 2016, the lows of recent financial pressure, and what it’s really like trying to balance performance, people, and profit in modern rugby. They get into crowd numbers, star power, NZ Rugby’s influence, player payments, and why Super Rugby viewership is booming while bums on seats are not. Avan also opens up about leadership under scrutiny, tough calls, and the Hurricanes haka controversy, speaking candidly about what he learned from one of the most challenging moments of his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices