All Blacks Legend Calls for Unity to Fix New Zealand’s ‘Broken System’
All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan has urged the key decision-makers in New Zealand rugby to work together to address the sport’s “broken system” amid growing tensions.
A potential civil war looms after the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) sent an explosive letter to the unions, threatening to break away from the governing body if their demands are not met. This disillusionment stems from a proposal to maintain the “status quo” in New Zealand Rugby, despite an independent review recommending significant changes.
“It’s a broken system at the moment, we need to get back to what’s best for our game,” he told Newstalk ZB.
The review last August deemed NZR as “not fit for purpose,” leading to calls for reform. However, some provincial unions have now put forward a counter-offer, leaving the players deeply unhappy.
Kirwan, the legendary former All Blacks winger, believes certain chairmen are “holding the game a wee bit to ransom,” with some unions losing up to NZ$1 million last year.
The 59-year-old argues that the NZRPA’s threat to leave is not the right approach, despite understanding their frustration over the attempts to counter the governance review’s recommendations. Kirwan warns that the ongoing power struggle risks turning the New Zealand public off the sport, as they grow weary of the constant infighting.
“Rather than having an opinion and being passionate about it, if you just stop caring, that’s when our game is in real danger,” he added.
The article comes amid a deepening crisis in New Zealand rugby, with the NZRPA’s letter plunging the game into a state of uncertainty. As the key stakeholders navigate these turbulent times, Kirwan’s call for unity and a focus on the sport’s best interests will be a crucial factor in determining the path forward.
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