Today is a crucial day for deciding the future of our national game as New Zealand Rugby (NZR) delegates vote on two proposals in relation to the governance of the game in New Zealand.
What's happening?
The representatives of the 26 provincial unions (PUs) and the Māori board will meet in Wellington with the vote outcome set to be released after 10:30am today.
Proposal one will adopt the Pilkington Report recommendations which would essentially loosen the grip that the PUs have on NZR governance.
The Pilkington Report findings came out last year and said that NZR the current governance structure was ‘not fit for purpose’.
Proposal two would see the possibility of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) threatening to break away from the governing body as it would effectively be cementing the status quo.
What are the likely outcomes?
TVNZ sports presenter Andrew Saville joined Breakfast this morning to discuss the possible results of today’s crucial vote.
Saville said the most likely outcomes are a stalemate - which may force another vote - or proposal two is passed, leading to NZRPA breaking away.
“This would mean the professional game moves away from the amateur side of the game,” said Saville.
The way the vote works is that all vote on proposal one, which needs a two-thirds majority, they then come back and vote on proposal two. Votes can be withheld for either proposal.
What's the problem?
“The lack of crowds, the ‘OK’ TV figures and concussions are all overarching issues with rugby in New Zealand and if the governance was right then it would be sorted out,” Saville said.
The financial state of the game in the wake of the controversial Silver Lake deal is also a big factor.
“It’s vital they get it right, but you can debate about which way is right.”
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