New Zealand Rugby Union to sell four Super Rugby derby licences – Rugby News
New Zealand Rugby Union is reported to be selling four licences for its super rugby derbies to refresh the old and outdated model. New Zealand Rugby Union publicised on December 2 that it intended to introduce a new model of running the conferences. The
union in this regard issued a public invitation for the expression of interests which will be decided in the mid of next year. The interested parties could apply until March 9, 2012.
According to the details, it was decided after talking with the franchise heads that the current model was not working anymore and it was the proper time to redo the system. Furthermore, the panel found that the old system was showing too many flaws and
new ideas were needed to restore its old glory.
The franchises were also lacking in funds to overcome the financial crises so capital is required to give a boost to the derbies. New Zealand Rugby Union has maintained a standard among all Super Rugby teams and it will be interesting to see whether selling
out could help.
Meanwhile, NZRU will not allow contractors to compromise on coaching staff. Talking to reporters, the NZRU chief executive, Steve Tew said that, “We've got an opportunity on the back of Rugby World Cup, where the game is sitting in a good space, to launch
into a new era. We also accept some fresh capital into the game will be very helpful in these financial times that continue to be pretty challenging for anybody who's in the entertainment space, as we are.”
The chief executive also said that, “The aim of this exercise is to reinvigorate the franchise model, which we believe is now necessary, [and to] bring some fresh ideas to the table. We think it's a very exciting opportunity for rugby in this country.”
The contractors will be allowed to generate revenue by using teams’ names in off the field activities.
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