What 3 main issues do you believe the NZ Rugby forum should address about the state of the game in NZ?

Question

Issues from the traditional side ( ie NPC, financial difficulties of the provinces,) to changing the format of the Super 14, sustaining crowd and television viewership, which have shown a marked downturn this year.

Underlying this is the threat that the European clubs pose with their endless amounts of euros who now are using NZ Rugby as a feeder nation to prop up their competitions. Privatisation is bandied about, others fear that will bring about foreign ownership into NZ Rugby and a bidding war for players will ensure, putting the game into turmoil.

Also changes may eventuate to where All Blacks are selected possibly off shore.

Is there a way forward for NZ Rugby, or does NZ Rugby stand on the brink?

Answer 1

Good Question, we have similar issues in SA. One of the suggestions I hear in SA is to introduce a quota on the number of foreign based players (no surprise!!). Personally, I think we as rugby fans will have to accept the fact that players are proffesionals (just like the accountants, doctors, etc) and that they have to go where they are going to be rewarded best for their skills. I don't think them leaving will "kill" the game in either of our countries (just like all the accountants going to London didn't kill all the businesses in SA or NZ).

As far as the amount of rugby goes... That is really a product of our desire to watch it!

But one thing I would love to see come back is the tours! 3 months of having the All Blacks or Lions playing all comers in SA! Stories of legend!!!

Answer 2

Use to live in NZ, I prefer the old format for the NPC, not sure why it had to change. So going back to that would be a start.

Privatising the Super 14 sides, and allowing Argentina and the Pacific Island nations to have teams in an expansion.

Answer 3

The Super 14 should not be lengthened in any way, the last thing we need is for the Super comp to become a limp NRL clone.

Foreign investment or private ownership of  NZ Super clubs needs to be strictly outlawed or we'll end up having rich UK and French consortium's controlling New Zealands' top players and their availability for the All Blacks.

The June tests against third- rate Northern teams needs to be scrapped.

The Tri nations needs to be shortened back to six tests.

I would restrict the NPC to eight provinces, Auckland, North Harbour Wellington, Waikato, Canterbury, Otago plus two others, the rest get demoted to semi-pro status.

Changes are needed but I don't think we stand on the brink of oblivion.

Answer 4

Good but complex question. I think there is far too much rugby being played in NZ. Two choices; amalgamate unions and compact competitions. Or . . . open the game up to foreign investment and foreign players, and allow national selection to include players based abroad.

Can't go on the way we are. Personally I would favour less rugby, and keeping NZ rugby for NZ. Doubt this will happen because too much money to be made by opening the game up.

I long for the days when a Lions tour was a three odd month event, and the lions played all the tiny little unions, uncles cousins and brothers of Joe Blow kiwi all had a crack at them,  and the whole country came to a stand still to watch the test matches.

I have chided Argentina for not embracing professionalism, but . . . they may be smarter than I first thought.