New Zealand Rugby’s transition to a fully independent model of governance has taken a step forward with the presentation of the organisation’s preferred new structure to the board by chairwoman Dame Patsy Reddy.
The model has been presented to NZ Rugby’s voting members, the 26 provincial unions and the New Zealand Māori Rugby board (NZMRB) after a seven-month standoff with the unions.
The work was done following the non-binding Pilkington report recommendations which stated NZ Rugby’s constitution and governance was not fit for purpose and stressed the need for a nine-person independent board.
"Changing rugby’s leadership structure is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform while, at the same time, ensuring that rugby remains deeply connected to New Zealanders. The board’s view is that the time has come to collectively commit to transitioning to a new model," Dame Patsy said in a statement today.
"Across rugby, there is wide-spread agreement on the need for change and we have seen that everyone has had the best interests of the game at heart as we have worked through the recommendations of the governance review with our members since August last year."
However, 1News understands there remain sticking points, including concern from some on the board about the community rugby knowledge of the new independent members.
To that end, NZ Rugby has come up with a transitional model towards a fully independent board.
NZ Rugby’s new governance model will be voted on at a special general meeting which has yet to be called. A two-thirds majority is required to pass the new model.
The New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association insisted on a governance review as a condition of the 7.5% sale of NZ Rugby’s equity to US investment fund manager Silver Lake.
“This leadership structure will provide greater opportunities for diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders to have a voice in rugby,” Dame Patsy said.
“We are operating in a rapidly changing world and we need a leadership structure which supports a global, professional sport and meets the unique needs of our local communities.
“Community rugby is at the heart of the board’s recommendation, and it is crucial that we meet the principles and recommendations of the governance review if we are to achieve the decisive and effective decision making needed to grasp this opportunity."
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