Competitions Review
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NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION COMPETITIONS REVIEW FINAL REPORT Competitions Review New Zealand Rugby Union Foreword This report represents a significant step in delivering the strategic direction to be adopted by the NZRU Board and the way the game and the competitions will be administered. The report also represents the outcome of an extensive consultation process. The Board recognises that elements of the decisions will challenge the experiences and preferences of many people who administer, support and participate in the game. That is unavoidable if we are to remain competitive on the field and off the field. To achieve our goal of being a competitive and economically sustainable rugby nation will require the acceptance of change. The focus must be on delivering on what is in the best interests of the game in New Zealand. The game and its people face many challenges. However, through the foresight and perseverance of those who have gone before, we have a substantial legacy to build from. This report has involved the efforts of many people, including Provincial Union chairs, executives and staff, sponsors, broadcasters, representatives of the media, overseas sports administrators and others. There has been considerable effort from the executive and staff of the NZRU and the Review team members, Brian Roche and Bruce Wattie. To each and every one of you, the Board acknowledges your efforts and records its appreciation of your input. i New Zealand Rugby Union Competitions Review ii Competitions Review New Zealand Rugby Union GLOSSARY Amateur players Rugby players who are not paid to play rugby The Board The Board of the New Zealand Rugby Union Community rugby Amateur (non-paid) rugby played in clubs, schools, universities, church groups and other community organisations IRB International Rugby Board JAB Junior Advisory Board NZRU New Zealand Rugby Union Professional players Rugby players who are paid to play rugby as a full-time job PU Provincial Union RWC Rugby World Cup SANZAR South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby Semi-professional players Rugby players who are paid to play rugby for part of the year. Money earned in playing rugby is not their primary source of income SPARC Sport and Recreation New Zealand Tier 1 nations Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales iii New Zealand Rugby Union Competitions Review Competitions Review New Zealand Rugby Union Co n t e n t s 1. Executive Summary ...........................................................................................5 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 5 Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 6 Process Adopted for the Review .......................................................................... 6 Terms of Reference ................................................................................................. 7 Guiding Principles .................................................................................................. 7 Strategic Context .................................................................................................... 8 Overview of Analysis ................................................................................................... 9 Overview of Findings .................................................................................................11 Managing Competitions ......................................................................................11 Competitions .........................................................................................................12 Implementation Process ............................................................................................20 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................21 2. Introduction .....................................................................................................23 Context ...................................................................................................................23 Parameters for the Review ..................................................................................24 Key Influences .......................................................................................................24 Approach to the Review ......................................................................................25 The Need for Change ...........................................................................................27 Current Position ....................................................................................................28 Competition Interdependencies ........................................................................28 Quantitative Analysis ...........................................................................................29 3. The Case for Change ........................................................................................31 Background ..................................................................................................................31 Societal Changes .........................................................................................................32 Population ..............................................................................................................32 Ethnic Mix ..............................................................................................................35 Family ......................................................................................................................36 Labour Force ..........................................................................................................36 Changing Role of Females ...................................................................................37 Economic ................................................................................................................37 Recreation and Entertainment .................................................................................39 Rugby within New Zealand .......................................................................................42 Club Rugby .............................................................................................................42 Player Numbers .....................................................................................................43 Administration ......................................................................................................45 1 New Zealand Rugby Union Competitions Review Assessment of Competitive Advantage ..................................................................46 On-field ...................................................................................................................46 Off-field ...................................................................................................................47 Competitive Balance in the NPC .............................................................................48 Financial Performance Of NZRU And Provincial Unions .................................52 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................58 4. Competition Structure ....................................................................................59 Decisions ......................................................................................................................59 Comment ......................................................................................................................61 Attributes of Competitions .................................................................................61 5. Provincial Union and Franchise Structure ...................................................77 Decisions ......................................................................................................................77 Comment ......................................................................................................................78 Franchises ...............................................................................................................78 Number of Provincial Unions ............................................................................80 Administration Infrastructure ..........................................................................81 Provincial Unions – Role and Responsibilities ...............................................81 6. Professional and Amateur Games ..................................................................83 Decisions ......................................................................................................................83 Comment ......................................................................................................................84 All Blacks ................................................................................................................84 Super 12 Professionals, Semi-Professionals and Amateurs .........................84 7. Length of Season ..............................................................................................87 Comment ......................................................................................................................87 8. Aspirational Pathways,