Simon Kacimaiwai Appointed Head of Western Sydney to Drive Rugby Growth in NSW

The New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) has officially appointed Simon Kacimaiwai as the new head of Western Sydney, effective from Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

This strategic move aligns with NSWRU’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, which underscores Western Sydney’s pivotal role in shaping the future of rugby in the state.

Commenting on the appointment, NSWRU CEO, Peter Murphy, said: “Simon’s unique blend of corporate leadership and deep rugby knowledge makes him the ideal candidate to lead the transformation of Western Sydney rugby.”

“His appointment is a major step in delivering our strategic vision of growing participation and deepening community engagement in one of our most vital regions,” Murphy said.

Expressing his vision for the region, newly appointed head, Kacimaiwai, said: “Western Sydney is the sleeping giant of Australian rugby. This is about more than just sport, it’s about empowering communities, creating pathways, and building a long-term legacy.

“I’m honoured to lead this mission and excited to work with players, clubs, schools, and families to make rugby the game of choice in the west,” he said.

Kacimaiwai arrives with an impressive background that spans over three decades in leadership roles across operations, service delivery, and grassroots rugby development.

His extensive experience includes senior executive positions in New Zealand and Australia with notable organisations such as Carl Zeiss and Device Technologies.

Concurrently, he has made significant contributions to elite rugby, having coached at various reputable clubs, including West Harbour, Warringah, and Newport Rugby Club, leading them to numerous championships, including the highly regarded Cowboy Cup.

In his new role, Kacimaiwai will be tasked with developing and executing a cohesive strategy aimed at promoting and supporting rugby within the region. His key focus areas will include:

1. Conducting a thorough review and audit of the Western Sydney rugby landscape to identify essential growth opportunities.
2. Enhancing club development by supporting existing clubs and facilitating the establishment of new ones.
3. Increasing school participation in significant competitions, such as the Waratah Shield for both boys and girls, and Western Sydney Schools Competitions, alongside rugby development initiatives.
4. Creating a Western Sydney Academy dedicated to establishing high-performance pathways and retaining junior talent in the area.
5. Launching the Western Sydney Rugby Alliance to enhance communication, promote collaboration, and attract support from both the community and local businesses.

Kacimaiwai is also dedicated to mentoring and developing junior talent, committed to improving pathways for both male and female athletes at all levels of the sport.

This appointment marks a significant initiative under the NSWRU’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, signalling a determined effort to refresh rugby in one of Australia’s most diverse and promising regions.

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