Doug Tietjen’s presentation to the Milson Rotary Club on Monday, August 19th, reflected on his journey and the lessons he gathered along the way. His story began on the rugby field, where he played as a flanker for Manawatu during an era of great pride when Manawatu held the Ranfurly Shield from 1976 to 1982. He was born in Australia but has deep ties to this region, having attended Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Massey University in the 1970s.
Leadership and Experience
Doug believes in the importance of learning from others and sharing valuable takeaways, especially in the ever-evolving world of rugby. The current state of rugby presents challenges and opportunities, particularly for Manawatu Rugby. Despite being in his role for over six months, he has developed a strategic plan that he believes can pave the way forward.
Personal Journey in Sports
His sports journey began in Perth, where basketball and AFL were his initial influences. However, rugby became his passion, thanks to his father’s New Zealand heritage. He transitioned to rugby, playing various positions and representing the state in under-14, under-15, and under-16 teams. The influence of professional athletes like Michael Jordan and the guidance of New Zealand players on his team shaped his early career.
Transition to New Zealand and Rugby Career Development
Transition to New Zealand and Rugby Career Development
At 16, Doug faced a pivotal decision—to leave school or stay. He chose to leave, but three Kiwi teammates influenced him to return to school and pursue rugby more seriously. This led Doug to Palmerston North Boys’ High School, where he focused on education and rugby. After leaving school in 2004, he attended Massey University, played for Manawatu, and moved to Otago for better rugby opportunities. His rugby journey saw him contracted as a professional player, experiencing the highs and lows, including injuries that tested his resilience.
In his rugby career, he learned the importance of immersing oneself in the best environments. With its unique strengths, New Zealand rugby always stood out to him. However, he also recognised the need for better marketing and competition structures to elevate the sport.
Transitioning from professional rugby to life beyond the field was challenging. Doug had to reset and explore new opportunities, leveraging the relationships built during his rugby career. Initially, he worked in coaching for Manawatu Rugby but soon realised that his true passion lay in leadership roles, where he could take on new challenges and drive change.
After working as a General Manager for a rugby club in Brisbane, Doug returned to New Zealand to prioritise his family. The move was not without challenges, but it allowed him to reconnect with his roots and explore new opportunities, including a role in consumer relations with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
Leadership and Vision for Manawatu Rugby
In 2024, he took up the CEO role with Manawatu Rugby. His leadership approach is values-based, emphasising integrity, courage, and collaboration. Doug believes in empowering communities to thrive through rugby, engaging clubs, schools, and other providers to lead and inspire.
His vision is to celebrate rugby and bring the community together. He aims to differentiate between community rugby, which focuses on social connections, and performance rugby, which provides clear pathways to professional play. By getting the NPC competition and academies right, we can offer our players opportunities to succeed globally.
He is excited to see what the future holds for Manawatu Rugby
Finally, Doug wanted to emphasise the legacy and value of team sports. Rugby, like all team sports, teaches resilience, builds connections, and helps us learn how to handle victories and losses. These invaluable lessons extend beyond the field.
In conclusion, his journey has been one of continuous learning, resilience, and a deep passion for rugby. He is excited to see what the future holds for Manawatu Rugby and how we can continue to grow and succeed together.
We wish him every success in his new role.