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'Absolute nonsense': NZR boss slams leaks, suggests hybrid match is off the table

(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

New Zealand Rugby insists it has made no decision about its preference for a trans-Tasman competition to replace Super Rugby next year and hasn’t been pressured by Australian interests.

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NZR chief executive Mark Robinson hit out at Australian media reports that his board were split over two possible preferred models – an open-border split of five NZ and five Australian franchises; or an eight-team competition featuring five from NZ, two from Australia and one from the Pacific.

Robinson said the board had yet to even see a copy of the independent Kiwi-driven “Aratipu Report” recommendations which will be unveiled publicly next week.

Video Spacer

Ross Karl is joined by Super Rugby players from across Aotearoa/New Zealand as they discuss the current comp and all the goings-on around it.

Video Spacer

Ross Karl is joined by Super Rugby players from across Aotearoa/New Zealand as they discuss the current comp and all the goings-on around it.

A report in the Sydney Morning Herald said Rugby Australia was poised to reject any proposal featuring three or less Australian teams.

Robinson said he had spoken to RA chief executive Rob Clarke earlier on Thursday and received no steer on his preference for 2021 and beyond.

“There’s nothing we’re hearing about what they would and wouldn’t be open to at this stage,” Robinson said.

“I’m not aware of what Australia are particularly focused on in that area.”

Robinson said suggestions his board were split was “absolute nonsense” along with suggestions the Sanzaar joint venture was on the verge of being dismantled.

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He indicated Sanzaar may not be the governing entity of the Super Rugby replacement, depending on what format it takes, but would continue to oversee the running of a Test tournament.

Robinson confirmed Sanzaar was investigating staging this year’s Rugby Championship in Australia and/or New Zealand.

He said NZR had pitched to be a sole host of the tournament but would buy into whatever worked best in a COVID-19 environment.

Trans-Tasman talks remained “dynamic” on staging a Bledisloe Cup series, he said.

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However, the touted prospect of an All Blacks-Kangaroos hybrid match in December was fading as a prospect, primarily because N ZR had received no recent updates from rugby league officials.

“We’re not actively working on this. It would be fair to say the ball is firmly in the court of the NRL at the moment,” Robinson said.

“They might have got cold feet, we’re not sure. It’s quiet at present and that’s OK with us. We’ve got lots of things to work on.”

– Daniel Gilhooly

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R
RedWarrior 47 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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