Introducing HPSNZ’s new Head of Sports Medicine

Originally trained in the UK, Steve first moved to New Zealand in the early 1990s and spent 20 years immersed in high performance environments including time with the Hurricanes, a tenure as New Zealand Rugby’s Medical Director, and serving as Medical Director for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

For the past 14 years, he has been based in Doha working in a world class, dedicated sports medicine hospital, expanding his expertise across both health and performance disciplines.

Now just a few months into his new role, Steve says he is “loving being back in New Zealand” and energised by the opportunity to contribute within a truly integrated performance team. His early focus is on communication and helping all disciplines — from doctors and physios to nutrition, psychology and performance staff — work together seamlessly.

A key priority for 2026 is reviewing the Periodic Athlete Health Examination process (PHE), an important preventative tool that is repeated every two years and includes cardiac screening. PHEs are an opportunity for the health team to review all facets of the athletes’ health and wellbeing and identify any areas that need addressing.

Looking ahead to LA 2028, Steve notes that heat management could again be a performance consideration, one the team will prepare for by using expected heat and humidity conditions to implement appropriate heat acclimatisation strategies and fluid and nutrition plans.