Wide-Ranging Review of NZ Rugby Unveiled
A review of Rugby, aimed at ensuring that the under-pressure sport remains not just relevant but sustainable over the next ten years, is expected to make its findings public by the end of May 2020. New Zealand Rugby is examining how best to thrive in a society that is changing as rapidly as ours is.
A governance group has been created to provide input and oversight across all levels of the game, and Stewart Mitchell, member of the NZR Board, has been appointed as Chair. The work of the review itself will be led by Nicki Nicol, Chief Operating Officer at NZR.
Chief Executive at NZR Mark Robinson has stated that although Rugby in this country has had a structure which has served it very well for over a century now, the time for an extensive review to be conducted to meet new challenges has arrived.
Robinson said that an unparalleled period of change has begun as the world gets closer than ever, with communities enlarging and connecting in more modern and immediate ways. He stated that younger generations are engaging differently in sports-centred activities, entertainment, and leisure, and it has become vital that New Zealand have a look at whether or not it is properly prepared for whatever the future may bring.
Robinson said that the Rugby community is facing a lot of pressure particularly, with issues including those related to fan engagement, dealing with increasingly difficult financial environments, problems of general participation, and the challenges around retention of talent.
