The Silver Fern

@Machpants said in NZ Sevens 2024-25:

I'll put this here, the bit about WR staff flying around the world 1st class sticks in the throat!

EDIT" Didn't realise Premium, I'd seen the same article (bascially) on the Torygraph

Since World Rugby assumed ownership to operate a centralised World Series model in 2023, insiders estimate the sevens circuit has lost between £15-£25 million ($33-55m).

Those attending events cite excessive World Rugby staff, all of whom travel first class and stay in five-star accommodation, as a major contributing factor in those deficits, whereas locals used to largely run the events.

Rugby Sevens, Rugby, Sport

Sevens facing fraught future as World Series suffers multi-million dollar losses

Something must change to stop the Sevens World Series suffering massive financial losses.

That is depressing news.

I just don't know how 30 years after going pro rugby has not figured out sustainable financial practices. It seems like every second rugby entity haemorrhages money.

The Welsh regions, English clubs, now 7s.......

Tyson Fury retired.

I know he is not universally liked but I will always remember him for those three epic fights v Wilder.

Probably became overrated as a consequence but at his best he was an entertainer who brought a lot of fun into boxing. Definitely more good than bad for the sport.

Yeah, Everton were decent back in the 00s - they had a young Rooney for a couple of years, Thomas Gravesen & Lee Carsley

Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

Just for clarification purposes is it a picking competition in terms of picking the results or fantasy teams where you pick players?

I assume the latter and sorry for the dense question just wanted to clarify.

@Jet said in All Blacks 2025:

@nonpartizan said in All Blacks 2025:

Why did Piutau end up leaving NZ? I seem to recall he was an absolute stud.

Was it just a case of the ABs being stacked with back 3 talent or did he fall out with the coaching staff?

Was basically the highest paid player in the world for a good 5 year period. Ulster, Bristol and Wasps paid him top dollar.

And he also left prematurely, which wasnt the norm.

He had loads of good rugby left in him.

Thats why I was comparing Toeava to him.

Charles eked out a great career, albeit not on these shores.

Toeava was a gun but his body failed him. Could have been an all time great.

Could do it all (and maybe that was part of the problem).

His ommision from the 2015 RWC was contentious wasnt it? Because I think he did not leave for the NH until after the tournament.

Obviously Ben Smith & Savea were nailed down starters but I think Naholo was coming off an injury and NMS was like an up and comer but a bit of an unknown quantity.

I could be wrong on the above but I just remember thinking it was crazy that such a talent could not get into the squad.

I would definitely join. Thank you.

@taniwharugby said in Super Rugby 2025:

@nonpartizan a fitness test.

Cones at 20m, 40m and 60m.

You run out to 20, back, out to 40, back out to 60 back...repeat 5 times.

Thank you.