The future of NZ Rugby

Stargazer

Rugby Southland has been told by New Zealand Rugby that the Southland Stags’ future in the Mitre 10 Cup is not in doubt.

Representatives of all the provincial unions met with New Zealand Rugby representatives last week to talk through various issues within the game.

There had been speculation New Zealand Rugby was keen to cut the number of teams in the Mitre 10 Cup, with the Stags’ spot potentially in jeopardy.

However, Rugby Southland general manager Steve Mitchell said there was a commitment from New Zealand Rugby to a 14-team format long-term, which included the Stags.

New Zealand Rugby has cut its provincial union funding this year by 15 percent on the back of Covid-19.

New Zealand Rugby was undertaking a review of its provincial union funding and Mitchell expected that 15 percent cut to remain in place long-term.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/122331653/new-zealand-rugby-provide-southland-rugby-leaders-with-commitment

taniwharugby

Future looks bleak with SR Aussie doing it better...

"While the general standard of play in New Zealand has been superior, Super Rugby AU matches have been closer and more unpredictable, with 80 per cent of games decided by less than 10 points compared to just 56 per cent in New Zealand".

Linden criticises New Zealand's table model that rids the competition of a finals system, contrasting to Australia's version which will have second and third on the table play in a qualifying final, with the winner then facing the top seed in the decider.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12353415&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nzh_fb

Kirwan

@taniwharugby That's a funny take on it all.

I've really enjoyed the games in our slice of Super Rugby. Games have been competitive, even though the Chiefs have not had the wins they have been a refs call or a slice of luck away from having some success.

Pretty much every team can beat the other team, Aussies certainly can't say that.

KiwiMurph

It's a Daily Telegraph article.

That's all you need to know.

Kiwiwomble

very strange, i thought most of our games had been famously close, one of if not the biggest blow outs was us v Saders and that had two late tries that skewed things

Chris

@taniwharugby

What a load of complete twaddle
We have a massive gap in standard,Skill,intensity and excitement from the fans between both comps.

Bovidae

I couldn't find a recent thread about the Heartland Competition. This was an interesting read focusing on the plight of the smaller provinces at the moment.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/300087541/coronavirus-rugby-bosses-fretting-over-covidcrippled-heartland-championship