Trailblazing basketballer making history in All Blacks management
Megan Compain was the first New Zealander to play professional basketball in the United States — now she is taking on a new role as the first female member of the All Black’s senior management.
Compain recently joined the All Blacks as their commercial manager, a new role formed after the departure of Darren Shand following 20 years as All Black manager.
"Talking to Razor (coach Scott Robertson) when I came onboard, there's winning on-field and winning off-field. There’s opportunities to connect off-field and the need to understand why that's important as a professional athlete has changed over a quick period of time," Compain told 1News.
Megan Compain, the first New Zealander to play professional basketball in the United States, is now the first female member of the All Blacks' senior management group.
Compain said she has enjoyed getting to know Robertson and rates him highly as the new All Blacks coach.
"Razor is a great character and I didn't know him before I started — we probably took a leap of faith with each other. I've loved getting to know him, he's got a special mind and is a big thinker, but he's a modern coach.
"New Zealand has always been a step ahead of the world but rugby has caught up. The way Razor approaches things is a good opportunity to take the next leap, and that's ultimately winning a World Cup in 2027."
Compain remains the only Kiwi to play in the WNBA — representing the Utah Starzz in the inaugural competition in 1997.
"Female athletes within sports industries have more opportunity to be considered for roles like this 10-20 years ago... There's a benefit in being different; it means you can have different conversations."
NZR general manager Chris Lendrum said the new role is an evolution and reflection of the changing nature of the All Blacks’ commercial needs.
"It's a reflection on us and the changing nature of what we're doing. Servicing more sponsors, doing our own content — the demands are increasing and we need to meet those demands," Lendrum said.
Compain famously scored the match winner against China at the 2004 Olympics for the Tall Ferns.
Lendrum said her experience in the world of basketball brings a fresh perspective to the All Blacks.
"What she brings with basketball is a truly global perspective but also experience as an athlete. She’s been to two Olympics so she knows what players need to be at their peak," said Lendrum.
Check out the video here: https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/0...
