Brighton recruit All Blacks high-performance chief

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2026-01-12T10:28+00:00

Mike Anthony brings more than 25 years of experience working across elite-level sport. 📷NZ Rugby

Brighton & Hove Albion are pleased to announce that Mike Anthony will join the club next month as head of player development and high performance.

Mike brings more than 25 years of experience working across elite-level sport, including a 14‑year spell with New Zealand Rugby in a range of senior performance roles.

His background spans high‑performance leadership, player development and building winning team cultures.

In his new role at Albion, Mike will work closely with sporting director Jason Ayto, technical director Mike Cave and men’s head coach Fabian Hurzeler, supporting the club’s long‑term commitment to building and sustaining elite performance within the men’s first-team environment.

Sporting director Jason Ayto said, “We’re delighted to welcome Mike to Brighton & Hove Albion. His track record within one of world sport’s most successful high‑performance systems speaks for itself.

“Mike has an exceptional ability to build environments where players, coaches and teams can thrive, and his expertise will strengthen every part of our performance structure. We’re excited for him to get started.”

Technical director Mike Cave added, “Mike’s experience in developing players and high‑performing teams at the very top level is rare. He has spent decades shaping elite cultures and helping athletes maximise their potential.

“His arrival is another important step in our strategy to build sustainable success across the club. We’re very pleased to have him on board.”

During his time with New Zealand Rugby, Mike served as head of high performance, high performance player development manager and high performance sports science manager; working across the national pathway and contributing to one of the most consistently successful programmes in global sport.

Mike is set to start work at the club in February, and his appointment remains subject to the granting of a work permit.

His remit, once in place, will encompass driving individual player development, and enhancing an aligned high-performance culture across key departments.