PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster just posted this.
" As a rugby system, we are currently working through a programme of work to ensure the game can thrive into the future.
There are multiple parts to this, and yesterday we held a Summit with our key stakeholders (Provincial Unions, Super Rugby Clubs, Rugby Players Association, Māori Rugby Board, Pasifika Rugby Council) to work through potential options on the future of men’s elite competitions.
It was a positive and constructive day, and the care everyone has for the game was evident. There is no predetermined outcome and those stakeholders will provide further detailed feedback to help shape the direction we take.
It’s encouraging to have the system working collaboratively towards rugby’s best long-term interests.
Financial projections seen in the media over the past week will only manifest if we change nothing.
Our strong foundations as an organisation and sport mean that we are in a great position to change, and we are working proactively and collaboratively to identify what change will best position us for sustainable success on the world stage and at home.
There’s plenty to be positive about, we are seeing remarkable levels of fan engagement with our competitions and Teams in Black, and participation numbers are up this season across the board, including what's shaping up as a record year for women and girls player numbers.
There’s work ahead of us and the Summit provided plenty of insight and momentum for that.
For now, we’re looking ahead to another entertaining weekend of domestic rugby and of course the Black Ferns taking on the Red Roses at Twickenham"
My Summary.
There is nothing about who is working on what by when, no dates on any deliverables or transparency and accountability. Just looking forward to this weekends games.
My comment on Steve's post was...
" Steve thank you.
What the hundreds of thousands of concerned rugby fans around the world who are worried about the current plight of NZ rugby and rugby in general, want are dates, deadlines, and transparency. Who is doing what by when.
As a global rugby ecosystem we can't keep kicking the can down the road, the structural decay of our game requires intensive care style levels of response."
The All Blacks have been dealt a significant injury blow following the Greatest Rivalry tour.
Ardie Savea will require surgery after dislocating his shoulder, with his return timeline to be determined following the procedure. Luke Jacobson has already undergone surgery on an elbow tendon injury and is expected to be sidelined for four to five months, while Caleb Clarke faces around five months out with a ruptured shoulder tendon.
A tough injury update for the All Blacks as attention turns to what comes next.
Which of these players will New Zealand miss the most?
#AllBlacksRugby #RugbyNews