WELLINGTON, Dec 19: The chief executive of New Zealand Cricket, Martin Snedden, is switching sports to head the company that will run the 2011 Rugby World Cup, its chairman said on Tuesday.

Snedden, the former New Zealand Test cricketer and lawyer, will head Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, said Jock Hobbs, the chairman of New Zealand Rugby Union and of the tournament company.

“Martin brings all of the right qualities to this role,” Hobbs said.

“As a New Zealander he also shares our passion to make Rugby World Cup 2011 the best ever tournament and a showcase for New Zealand on the world stage.”

Snedden, who will take up the job in May next year, said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“Rugby World Cup 2011 will be an exciting time for New Zealand as we host one of the world's premier sports events and I am excited about being part of this,” Snedden said.

He added he was sad to be leaving cricket after a long association as a player, board member and chief executive.

Snedden played 25 Tests and 93 One-day Internationals for New Zealand between 1981 and 1990 and has been chief executive of New Zealand Cricket since 2001.—AFP