Robinson is currently working for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in Wellington in the High Performance Unit, working in talent identification and development.

The Stratford-born, Opunake High School educated Robinson said he was thrilled to return to Taranaki.

"I've still been interested in what happens there, even while I was playing overseas. I hadn't given the job a great deal of thought, but a few people made contact and it went from there."

Robinson said the recruitment process was 'very rigorous.'

Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) Chairman Peter Crawford said Robinson is the ideal choice to lead Taranaki rugby into the future.

"We're very excited that Mark has accepted the position. He's an extremely intelligent young man who has all the qualifications to accept the challenges Provincial Unions face," he said.

"You only need to look at what he has done on and off the field. He played for Taranaki and became an All Black, but he has also earned two degrees including one from Cambridge University."

While at Cambridge University doing post-graduate studies, Robinson earned a Masters Degree (with honours) in Political Studies and Philosophy. He also turned out for Cambridge twice in the famous inter-university clash against Oxford.

At the end of 1998 he shifted to Christchurch where he played for Canterbury and the Crusaders before playing nine tests for the All Blacks.

At 33 Robinson could well be the youngest Chief Executive of any rugby union in New Zealand. He is married with two young children.

He replaces long-serving Taranaki rugby Chief Executive Paul Easton, who left in December to re-enter the banking industry after 12 years at the helm.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Deputy Chief Executive Steve Tew has congratulated Robinson on his appointment.

"This is a fantastic opportunity and one that doesn't come around very often so we wish Mark all the very best," he said.

"We are pleased that Mark is staying in rugby and that his widespread knowledge and talent won't be lost from the rugby community," he added.