Last year, David Pilikington, a former Fonterra executive released a 134 page report suggesting that NZ rugby needed to make some changes. He said their model was “no longer fit for purpose in the modern era.” (Kind of valid, yes or no?) Two proposals were put forward in response. NZ rugby put forward a proposal to implement some of the review recommendations. Counter to that, a bulk of the franchises (Cantabs included) put Proposal 2 forward, suggesting that the new board has 3 of it’s 9 directors with some previous provincial board experience, because they understand grassroots and have some clue on financial and governance skills.
A meeting on Thursday 30th May saw Proposal 2 win with flying colors… and s**t has hit the fan. It’s igniting a ‘civil war’ in NZ rugby. Rob Nichol, head of players association, has threatened to walk along, and in turn have a bulk of players do so too. He believes that provinces are trying to land grab control of NZ rugby. However, Canterbury rugby chairmen Peter Winchester claims that the provinces want to help rugby unite!
There doesn’t seem to be a truce in sight for NZ Rugby at the moment. Some even say this is the most significant thing to happen the sport in NZ since the game turned pro late 1955. It’s going to be very interesting to see how this all unfolds.
