The ACT Brumbies are pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Thomson as General Manager (GM) of Professional Rugby and Pathways.
An experienced High-Performance Manager with experience across the globe, Thomson was most recently High-Performance Project Manager for Pathways and Player Development at World Rugby, where he was instrumental in the establishment and activation of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika and their entry into Super Rugby Pacific; ensuring their alignment to the Fijian, Samoan and Tongan National Programs and Pathways.
Chris was heavily involved in the creation of cross-border competitions, Super Liga Americana de Rugby (South America) and the Rugby Europe Super Cup (Continental Europe), where he managed World Rugby’s investment into both competitions. Additionally, Chris was responsible for delivering World Rugby’s High-Performance Combines in the Pacific Islands and USA, and established USA Rugby’s National Academy in 2019, which a critical development mechanism in preparation for hosting RWC 2031.
A former professional player with the NSW Waratahs, Melbourne Rebels and French side Racing Club Narbonne, after retiring through injury in 2014, Thomson first transitioned on to the coaching staff of the Melbourne Rebels, before moving into Team Management roles at the club. Chris was the inaugural General Manager for Fijian Drua, departing after the team was crowned as Champions of the National Rugby Championship in 2018.
Thomson joins the club to replace outgoing GM of Professional Rugby and Pathways Chris Tindall, who led the program from the end of 2018 to two Super Rugby Semi-Finals and the 2020 Super Rugby AU title.
ACT Brumbies General Manager of Professional Rugby and Pathways, Chris Thomson said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank Chris Tindall for his assistance in this transitionary period and it’s clear that he has left fantastic foundations for our department to build from.”
“I’m honoured to be joining an organisation that means a lot to my family and I, and I’m excited to work closely with Steve (Larkham) and our high-performance and pathways staff to continue to create an environment of growth and success here at the ACT Brumbies.”
ACT Brumbies Chairman Matt Nobbs said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring in someone of Chris’ calibre and experience to continue and build on the positive work that has been done in our high performance and pathways areas over the past four seasons.”
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I’d like to acknowledge the important impact Chris (Tindall) has made on the Brumbies during his time at the club, and for his dedication and to the role particularly through what was an incredibly difficult time through COVID.
“While Super Rugby Pacific is an important element of Chris (Thomson’s) role, he will also have oversight of our Super W program and our pathways program, and with his experience working in a similar role with World Rugby, we’re excited to have him join the club.”
