Dame Margaret Bazley to lead WRFU review

Dame Margaret Bazley will lead the independent review of Wellington Rugby's player conduct and recruitment processes.

The terms of reference for the review were agreed at the WRFU's October board meeting and the process is expected to be concluded in early December.

Dame Margaret was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1999 in recognition of her significant contribution to the New Zealand public service, and appointed a Member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ) in 2012.

She has led a number of high profile inquiries and reviews during her illustrious career including the Fundamental Review of the Legal Aid System (2009) and the Government inquiry into Police Conduct (2004-2008), and also chaired the New Zealand Fire Service Commission from 1999 to 2011,

The review was sparked by events surrounding the WRFU's handling of contracted schoolboy Losi Filipo after he was discharged without conviction following a 2015 assault in central Wellington.

Wellington Rugby engaged Dame Margaret's services following a strong public reaction to the union's decision to stand by the player and be part of his rehabilitation, which in turn created debate about rugby's responsibility to take action outside of any court imposed sanctions.

Dame Margaret's review of the WRFU will focus on the processes, protocols and procedures the organisation have in place with regard to player recruitment and the management and monitoring of player behaviour, in particular with regard to those contracted while still at school.

The review will not inquire into, or report on, the criminal justices system and its interactions with Mr Filipo.

Neither Dame Margaret nor the WRFU will be making any further comment until the review has been completed.