New Zealand rugby set for conflict as provincial unions reject NZR's recommendations

The provincial unions have rejected NZR’s ‘Proposal 1’ governance changes, instead voting in ‘Proposal 2’ at the New Zealand Rugby special general meeting held in Wellington today.

Proposal 2, put forward as an alternative plan by the provincial unions to the recommendations given by the Pilkington Report last year, garnered more than two thirds of the votes required with 69-21 in favour.

A key sticking point of Proposal 2’s plan is that three of the nine NZR board members must have experience on a provincial board.

Proposal 1 backed by NZR and the NZRPA wanted nine independent directors.

NZRPA Chief Rob Nichol has been vocal in his opposition to Proposal 2, threatening to create a breakaway governance model should it by voted in.

That has become reality now as the provincial unions rallied to shoot down Proposal One.

The NZRPA along with high profiler ex-All Blacks, such as Richie McCaw, Ian Kirkpatrick, Sean Fitzpatrick and Sir John Kirwan, urged the provinces to endorse an independent board under Proposal 1.

The landmark decision threatens to ripple through New Zealand Rugby with conflict now inevitable should Nichol and the NZRPA follow through with his threats.