By Stu Piddington

South Canterbury Rugby's new boss Craig Calder is delighted to have landed a job that is also his passion.

Calder said the chance of being the chief executive of South Canterbury was just too good to pass up.

"I see it as a real opportunity to build the brand."

"Sitting from afar it seems a great set-up and making Meads Cup final was also a very good achievement."

Calder said he did plenty of research before applying for the role, including talking to some of the province's loan players.

Co-captain Kieran Coll, Nick Annear and Jason Merrett all play club rugby for Christchurch, where Calder was heavily involved and was also chairman four years ago.

"The talk around what was happening was very good."

"Also I have had other positive feedback about the union."

Calder said it was a great opportunity to build on what had been done, while taking the next step in his career.

"I will be able to combine my passion and business experience."

" I am hugely excited by the prospect."

Calder believed he could make difference by adding some real vigour. 

"My strength is in the business and commercial side of things which I will drive." 

He also said it was important that the union's sponsors were getting a return and felt valued.

"I never let an opportunity die and I have turned around the golf club in that respect."

Calder said he had two passions in life, rugby and golf, although the latter could often be more of a frustration.

He played rugby to senior level in Christchurch, mainly at hooker and occasionally at loose head prop.

Calder also refereed for 15 years, up until last season and is on the Canterbury Metropolitan Rugby management committee. 

He took up golf as his "life long friends from rugby" were keen players.

"I play off a 24, so I am no threat but I really enjoy it."

Calder has been the Waitikiri Golf Club general manager for two and half years and will take up the full time role with South Canterbury on June 27.

He admits to being in his late fifties and is married, with three grandchildren.

The couple will continue to live in Christchurch for six months, with Calder commuting to Timaru, while he gets a feel of the province.

SCRU chairman Ray Teahen said they were delighted to appoint Calder after an extensive search and recruitment process.

Calder had a range of business experience in operations, marketing and general management in both New Zealand and Australia having worked previously for Fairfax, APN and PGG Wrightson, he said.

Incumbent chief executive Wayne Hart steps down on June 30, after being with the union for 20 months in the role.

Hart took on the role on a part time basis in October 2014, which was later into a position full time.

There has also been a recent change on the board with chairman with Teahen taking over from Brent Isbister, who was elected on to the Crusaders board last month.