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An ex-NZR boss has called on 'out of touch' CEO Robinson to resign
By Liam Heagney
Ex-New Zealand Rugby boss David Moffett has slammed current NZR CEO Mark Robinson, claiming he should return home from attending the Commonwealth Games in Britain and write his letter of resignation. Moffett led the NZR during the early years of the game turning pro, serving as CEO from 1996 to 2000.
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Having since worked with NRL, Sport England and the Welsh Rugby Union, Moffett now lives in Canterbury and he weighed in on the chaos that has engulfed rugby in New Zealand in recent weeks with an appearance on Mike Hosking Breakfast, the Newstalk ZB radio show.
Robinson has come under fire for his handling of the fallout from the All Blacks’ 1-2 Test series loss to Ireland and his stewardship was heavily criticised in midweek by ex-team boss Steve Hansen, who claimed the relationship between players and the board was the worst it has ever been.
Now, Moffett has weighed in on the controversy, suggesting it is time for Robinson to quit following a messy episode for the NZR. “He [Robinson] should come back to New Zealand and while he is here, write his letter of resignation,” said Moffett.
“It’s debilitating for everyone, but especially the fans. If Robinson cared about the fans he would be here speaking directly to the fans and saying, ‘These are the mistakes we have made, this is what we are doing to correct it and I am going to be accountable’.
“How out of touch are these guys in New Zealand Rugby? Saying nothing is the least favourite option? He should be back here, fronting the media, holding up his hand – not leaving it up to guys like (Ian) Foster to front the media on this bloody shambles. It’s chaotic in there at the moment.
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“Steve said that he might one day make a good CEO. Well, the CEO of New Zealand Rugby is not the place to learn how to be a CEO. You have to hit the ground running and your judgement has to be spot on. But the worst piece of judgement at the moment is the guy refuses to front the media. Foster’s got his own accountabilities, but the buck stops not with the board but with him [Robinson].”
