NPC 2024
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@Canes4life said in NPC 2024:
Noted by ClubRugby.co.nz yesterday - A bit of a stinker that eligible All Blacks and All Blacks XVs players will all be potentially taken out of the NPC for the business end of the competition. Over 65 players gone, just as the semi-finals and finals are reached. It’s normal now not to have All Blacks involved but New Zealand XV players as well is a blow for fans.
If all the AB XV players are taken out, what the fuck is the point in even having an NPC if you completely disregard the business end.
Really?
One week ago, when you pasted, there were four teams left. I'm not counting but I don't think Welly, Waikato, BoP and Canterbury average 16 national rep players each. So "65 players out" is an overstatement.
And ... ABXV players remain available, so 65 players out is wrong.
And ... All Blacks had only been available for a few games through the season anyway, so it's hardly affecting the business end. In fact dumping the ABs in at the business end probably distorts the integrity of the comp.
I know criticising NZR is du jour but let's try a bit of perspective.
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There was this article a few days ago with Steve Lancaster.
“Without speaking to the specific recommendations...the NPC has never been on the chopping block,” Lancaster said.
“The review is about pathways and competitions, but the competition part of it is about ensuring that the NPC remains a critical part of our competition framework.
“And, importantly, that it’s sustainable because that's one of the things we have talked about over the years is ensuring that it actually it occupies the right spot in the framework, and that the model that underpins it is sustainable for everyone and allows everyone to compete.
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New Zealand Rugby is conducting a review focused on the long-term sustainability of the NPC and player pathways.
The review is considering streamlining academies between Super Rugby Pacific and provincial unions to clarify professional pathways for young players.
Provincial unions are facing significant funding cuts, with reductions of $1.8 million this year and $3.05m next year.
Crowds were up 11%, but only to a total of 190,000.
No changes are envisioned for 2025 but with all big-ticket items, including a new broadcast deal that is widely expected to suffer a significant reduction, a new collective employment agreement with the players and a new provincial union funding agreement to all commence in 2026, another collision course of competing interests looms large.
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Something I picked from a candidate who is applying for the vacant Northland academy job and has been part of the Auckland scene , he’s heard whispers that Mark Ozich along with a certain ex Welsh coach have been short listed for the Auckland NPC head coaching role
Ozich has not been re signed by the Western Force , for me he would be a great fit for the role
Auckland born and bred came through Waitemata won the Gallagher Shield
Be an interesting one to follow up as it’s been tighter than a ducks you know what trying to gleam info around this appointment -
Actually disregard the Waitemata part of the blog , forgot where the last coach played 🤦🏻♂️
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@Steven-Harris I've heard the same re Ozich and Pivac.
Same sauce also confirmed Bates has thrown his hat in the ring....but it will likely be thrown back out.
Unlikely he will be appointed apparently.
Tai Lavea was also sounded out to apply but declined -
Pivac.
It seems unlikely that Pivac would leave NEC Green Rockets for a fraction of the pay NPC gig. Unless he is looking to return home for other reasons. Whoever it is I just hope they trust talented youth and club standouts rather than importing average aging journeymen and then loosing potential 'next big thing' talent elsewhere (see Wallace Sititi).
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Hearing that Mark Ozich pulled himself out of the running for the head coaching role
Its down to 2 Wayne Pivac and Stephen Bates
Announcement should come in the next week or 2
According to my contact Willie Rickards and Paul Tito looked at the role but decided to pull the pinProps stocks likely also to be an issue in terms of experience
Marcel Renata and Jordon Lay having both signed with Northland
, Sion Ahio very pissed off with Auckland as he was declined a transfer to Ta$man
Angus Ta’avao looking to transition into the media , also has a role from Cadbury on the table
Vaiolini Ekuasi also looking to exit Auckland as well -
Would that be Pivac's 3rd stint should he get the job? Or 4th? Surely not 4 haha.
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@Steven-Harris Are the Crusaders wanting Ahio?
'I don’t understand': NPC coach fires broadside at NZ Rugby over its future
The Press
