Steve Tew. Photo / Brett Phibbs
The All Blacks may once again showcase rugby in the United States if a new agreement between the two countries prospers.
New Zealand has agreed to give coaching and resources to boost development programmes in America and is to look into future commercial deals to assist both countries,
says NZRFU chief executive Steve Tew.
The global conference after the World Cup urged senior nations to develop the game with Asia and the United States identified as the two big markets.
"There are many options over time for major games to promote rugby in the States but we do not want to be compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, they would need to be meaningful games," Tew added.
In time, the All Blacks might play the Wallabies as they propose to do in Hong Kong later this year en route to their Grand Slam challenge.
New Zealand were aware of their role in world rugby and hoped this deal might encourage some professional rugby in the States, perhaps a side based there in an expanded Super series. Anything was possible, said Tew. There were pockets of rugby strength on the west coast as well as around Chicago, Boston and New York while a link could be forged with an Argentine presence in Miami.
New Zealand had been discussing some collaboration with the States for the last few years and had connections with former All Black selector Peter Thorburn coaching the side at the World Cup and former NZRU board member Kevin Roberts now the national chairman.
"We have a five-year vision that we can assist with some strong development of the sport," Tew said.
US chief executive Nigel Melville said: "We welcome New Zealand's help as we work to tap the potential in the United States.
"The coaching resources are an immediate benefit, but longer term we'd like to look at joint sponsorships, merchandise agreements and anything that can benefit both unions."
A century ago, rugby was the dominant football code throughout California and in 1913 the All Blacks played a match against America in Berkeley as part of their tour of the Pacific Coast, winning 51-3.
