What does it actually take to run one of the most successful rugby teams in the world?
In this episode, Andy Rowe sits down with Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge to talk leadership, business, and the reality of running a professional sports franchise.
Colin explains how he went from head of agribusiness at BNZ to running the Crusaders, and what business leaders can learn from the culture of one of the most successful teams in Super Rugby history.
They discuss:
• The leadership culture inside the Crusaders
• Why decisive leadership isn’t always the best leadership
• The challenge of pricing tickets and creating value for fans
• Why success on the field doesn’t always equal profit
• The impact of Christchurch’s new stadium
• Lessons for entrepreneurs building businesses
Whether you’re interested in rugby, leadership, or business, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting organisations.
🎙 Recorded at Red Nine Studios – Christchurch
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⏱ Chapters
00:43 From Banker to Crusaders CEO
02:18 Applying for the Crusaders Job
03:45 What Business Taught Him About Leadership
04:52 “A Bike With Square Wheels”
06:21 Leadership Inside the Crusaders
08:27 Thoughtful vs Decisive Leadership
11:43 How the Crusaders Make Big Decisions
13:19 Pricing Tickets & Business Strategy
16:19 Does Lower Price Increase Demand?
17:06 On-Field Success vs Commercial Success
18:54 The New Christchurch Stadium
20:26 Why Jerseys Don’t Have Player Names
24:50 The Biggest Myth About Super Rugby
26:41 Why People Ask for Freebies
27:57 Advice for Entrepreneurs
30:03 Closing Thoughts
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