New Zealand Rugby to ‘modernise’ after scathing review deemed them ‘not fit for purpose’
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson has admitted that they are in a “rapid-change process” as they attempt to rectify the issues within the organisation.
In August, a review found that the governing body were “unfit for purpose” with Super Rugby franchises struggling financially.
As a result, NZR have sought to implement change and Robinson insists that they are currently in that process.
Transforming the game
“We welcome the opportunity to look at doing things better,” he told Stuff. “We’re going through a rapid-change process … we need to adapt and modernise.
“[The review] looked at all facets of the game and contributing stake-holders. Recognising we’re in a state of transformation and have got to embrace the opportunity to improve are things, as CEO, I’m absolutely committed to.”
Getting people back interested in Super Rugby is a key target for NZR, and that includes making the game more ‘fan-centric.’
At the moment, their biggest competitions have fallen behind the northern hemisphere, but Robinson is confident that they will turn it around.
He also believes that New Zealand Rugby are in a “good spot”, despite the financial challenges all governing bodies are facing in the game.
“In New Zealand scrutiny around the game is significant and because we’re a small country that cares deeply there are a lot of people pointing out the challenges we’ve had,” he said.
“But when you look across the world and compare us to other national unions, I think we’re in a good spot.
“We’ve got a huge amount to be proud of. When you reflect, the second part [of 2023] was the first bit of real stability for a long time.
“We had two-plus years of Covid and disruption, and it feels like we’re in a pretty good space.”
Room for improvement
Robinson does admit, however, that there are several areas of the sport – from grassroots to international level – where they can improve as an organisation.
“What can we do to drive participation and growth in the community game? There are opportunities in player welfare. We want to make the game more accessible and engaging at all levels,” he added.
“NZR Commercial is just standing up. And there’s this whole opportunity around the international game where we see room for improvement.
“It’s OK to acknowledge we’ve got lots we can get better at. But we should recognise we’ve done a hell of a lot of good that we can be really proud of too.”