Former Ireland centre Sene Naoupu has become the chief executive of North Otago Rugby Football Union in New Zealand.

Naoupu, who was born in New Zealand and has Samoan heritage, becomes the first Pasifika female CEO of a provincial union in the country.

Pasifika is a term used to describe residents of New Zealand who are descendants of the Pacific Islands.

Naoupu, 40, made her debut for Ireland in 2015 and won 48 caps before retiring in 2022.

She qualified for Ireland through residency and won the Six Nations Grand Slam in her first season as an international.

Naoupu said she was “honoured” to be appointed to the role and help “future-proof rugby” in her home province.

“This role holds deep, personal significance as I return to where my rugby journey began after 15 years abroad,” Naoupu said.

“I’m grateful for the international opportunities to contribute to the game at every level – globally, nationally and regionally – and have gained insights and experiences from world-class people, organisations, competitions and teams.”