New Zealand is facing a reported “civil war” between players and provincial unions just over a month before the All Blacks host England in a two-Test series.
According to various reports in New Zealand, leading players are threatening to set up a breakaway body to govern the professional game in the country.
This is in response to a dispute with provincial unions over proposed governance reforms. The players’ association, led by prominent players like Sam Cane and Richie McCaw, has sent a letter outlining their demands.
The dispute began after a review last year criticized New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) current management and suggested major changes, including appointing independent directors. The players’ association requested this review following concerns over a deal with the US private equity firm Silver Lake.
Provincial unions have since proposed an alternative plan that the players believe fails to implement the necessary changes. The players’ association warns that if this alternative plan is approved at a meeting on May 30, they will split from NZR and form their own governing body. This new body, potentially named the “Professional Rugby Tribunal,” would handle all professional aspects of the game, such as media rights and player contracts, while NZR would continue managing amateur and community rugby.
At the heart of the conflict is a struggle for control: provincial unions want to maintain influence over NZR board appointments, while the players seek an independent board to represent all stakeholders, including themselves and the commercial arm of NZR.
Rob Nichol, CEO of the players’ association, emphasized the need for excellence and change, stating that the provincial unions no longer represent all stakeholders in New Zealand rugby and that the players are determined to achieve the necessary reforms.
“The strength of New Zealand rugby is that we have always been in the same boat, we have always been one team,” said Nichol.
“But I have got to be honest, we have felt in recent times that the players and teams have continued to strive for excellence on the field and deliver the results we all want, off the field we have not been where we need to be. We want excellence and we are kind of ruthless about that. When an expert panel comes in and agrees with us that there has to be change, then our response is: ‘we want change.’
“What the report subtly points out is that the provincial unions are no longer the game in this country, there are a whole lot of other stakeholders and they need to be factored into the process. But make no mistake, we will get there.”
The All Blacks will host England in Dunedin and Auckland in July.
Photo: MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
