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Job losses and provincial changes not ruled out as NZ Rugby look to revive the game

(Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)

By Christopher Reive, NZ Herald

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has not ruled out the possibility of job losses as the organisation looks to grow and sustain the game.

NZR yesterday released some of the findings of an independent investigation into the state of the game. The review, carried out by consultancy group McKinsey, identified opportunities to grow revenue and remove inefficiencies — including a high performance pathway, expenditure optimisation, resourcing across rugby, domestic competitions and revenue growth opportunities.

Asked if there was any potential for job cuts as NZR looks to remove inefficiencies, Robinson said it was a possibility.

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“The reality is, yeah, there could be a whole range of different options in that space. We just have to work through that,” he said.

“There are a lot of possibilities regarding people right across the ecosystem of rugby with stakeholders and they’ll be conversations we have for and with those people at the appropriate times.”

The Herald understands NZR is going to post a multi-million dollar loss for 2019 and is forecasting another for next year, hence its decision to engage McKinsey earlier this year to investigate ways in which the sport can be restructured.

“We work on a five-year cycle and we’re very aligned with the plan we’ve had over the past five years. In fact, we’re sitting slightly ahead of those long term projections so we’re very comfortable and we’ve communicated that well with our stakeholders,” Robinson said.

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“Yes, we’ve had financial losses but they are evened out by the overall cycle of those five-year patterns to be in a position where we’re exactly where or marginally ahead of where we thought we would be.”

It is believed NZR’s broader vision sees provincial unions in a new role where they will mostly drive participation and administer the club game at a local level, leaving Super Rugby sides with greater responsibility to manage talent identification and development of elite players.

NZR presented the initial findings on the review yesterday, and reassured the provincial unions the governing body would be back into engaging on the review from next week, with a couple of roadshows around the country. At that time, more details will be shared with the unions about the different options.

Robinson was hopeful the unions would provide plenty of feedback on the various paths NZR could take but was uncertain with changes might be made at a provincial level.

“We’re going to work through consultation before determining what any future changes might look like. “We simply haven’t decided on anything yet.

“We’re very genuine about that. That will be determined over the coming weeks and months,” Robinson said.

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“Our sense is our stakeholders are incredibly engaged, they are credibly open to possibilities and are approaching this in an open-minded manner because we all recognise we need to change areas of the game if we’re going to continue to build on the strength we’ve had over the last 125 years, the incredible legacy we’ve developed and all the successful attributes of our game — a lot still exist — we just need to continue to evolve, continue to build on that incredible legacy and the strength of our game and look to the future in a really proactive manner.

“We think this is a once in a generation opportunity to create a unique environment for consultation and change. It’s a once in a generation opportunity to step back from the game given the timing a whole lot of work’s been coming together and get really focused on how we re-energise and refine the game further to stay in a strong space. “

Robinson said the report would not be made public.

This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and was republished with permission.

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

Rassie has done very well with the Boks. The well will certainly not dry up soon. The amount of young talent coming through, that don't even stand a chance of making it in before 2027, is just absolutely amazing.


However, Rassie has proven to be a rugby genius. He will never rest on his laurels. It's why he keeps evolving tactics, keeping everyone on their toes. He doesn't underestimate any team. He is very aware of just how close the top teams is.


There will be no complacency not will he relax with his main stars. He is very astute, knowing that his team is getting older and thus giving the younger players much more playtime than what any other coach would do.


By the time the 2027 WC comes around, he will be prepared to defend his title and he knows one bad day will end a triple WC crown. Competition is that close. The Boks are in transition, even though it doesn't look like it.


After the 2027 WC, most of the double (possible triple) WC champs players will become unavailable due to retirement from international rugby. Rassie is already preparing the replacements, getting caps under their belts.


The top teams is just too close to underestimate and no Bok will be allowed to get complacent. Although they are by far the current most successful team and clearly the best by miles, they are not undefeatable.


Very tough to beat yes, but they can lose on the day. I am not worried. The youngsters by 2027 WC will be experienced with lots of years ahead and that should be a warning to the rest of the pack biting at their heels. Love them or hate them, but you have to admire the Boks. They truely deserve to be top dogs currently.

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