Rugby: Health of NZ rugby awaits diagnosis

A two-day forum looking at the state of Kiwi rugby starts in Wellington tomorrow. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The sustainability of rugby in New Zealand comes under the microscope at a two-day forum starting in Wellington tomorrow.

Even the most traditional vestiges of the national game, such as the provincial championship, will not be safe from dissection as a wide array of rugby shareholders seek to boost sagging elements of sport.

An apparent slump in interest over the past two years - measured by falling crowd and television viewing figures - and the departure of top players to big-spending overseas clubs are prominent issues to address.

Perhaps even more pressing are the mounting financial problems faced by provincial unions, many of which reported significant financial losses last year.

Officials from each of the 26 unions and five Super 14 franchises will address the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) about changes needed at all levels to improve rugby's health over the next five years.

Joining them will be invited players and coaches and other rugby thinkers such as John Hart and Grant Fox.

At the heart of discussions will be how to fund professional rugby in a world market dominated by the massive finances of French and English clubs, while also managing the need of the amateur game here.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said he could sense an appetite for innovation, with his organisation to act as a facilitator for all manner of ideas.

Changes to the way players are contracted and a tweak to All Blacks' eligibility rules may be forthcoming while the introduction of overseas franchises and venues for professional rugby competitions could not be discounted.

The domestic Air NZ Cup enters its third year under an expanded 14-team format this year, after which it was to be reviewed.

Several provinces have felt the financial squeeze, having to pay players sums they cannot afford to remain competitive, and have reported losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Otago, Northland and Southland have voiced particular concern while last week the ailing Bay of Plenty union announced an assistance package from the NZRU, something critics fear could become an ongoing scenario.

New Otago chief executive Richard Reid walked into enormous financial problems at his union.

"We've got to make sure we've got the money to pay for everything, clearly that's a big one, generating income," he said, pointing out that income only came from four sources.