Chiefs turn their backs on Rotorua

By CHRIS RATTUE

Another cold financial rugby wind has blown through Rotorua.

Hard on the heels of being scrapped as the Bay of Plenty NPC base, the Chiefs have dropped the city as a Super 12 venue next season.

All six Chiefs matches will be played in Hamilton because the franchise wants to boost payouts to its unions, which in turn should strengthen the Super 12 side.

The move cements the Chiefs as Waikato-based after Pukekohe was dropped two years ago.

Rotorua has always hosted a Chiefs match, apart from one season when Waikato and North Harbour were linked.

Rotorua might even be called the city that helped launch John Mitchell into the All Black job. Two years ago, as Waikato Stadium was being built, the Chiefs nailed three victories there as Mitchell's side made an unsuccessful bid for the playoffs.

But crowds have fallen and, although Rotorua wants to regain Super 12 status, it shapes as a tall order.

The Rotorua District Council's event venues manager, Nick Dallimore, expressed deep disappointment yesterday, but understands the Chiefs' position.

The Chiefs wanted the council to "purchase" the game for $100,000, although the rugby franchise would still keep all match profits. The council decided the benefits to Rotorua were not worth the payout.

"It's a huge part of what we look forward to each year," Dallimore said.

"But the Chiefs are a business and need to make money. They can make a lot more in Hamilton."

The Chiefs made a small profit of $198,000 last year, distributed - based on numbers of registered players - to its five unions.

Rotorua dips out completely in the numbers game. First, the International Stadium's average Super 12 crowd of 7000 is less than half that for Hamilton. Second, Rotorua crowds return about a third less money than those in Hamilton.

Chiefs chief executive Gary Dawson said the franchise had a strong mandate from the five unions.

"The Hurricanes make a profit of over a million dollars," Dawson said. "I understand Rotorua's disappointment, but it doesn't stack up right now. The last game there against the Cats had only a 5000 crowd."

Among those supporting the move was the Bay of Plenty team manager Craig Morris. The Steamers had a superb season, just missing the semifinals, and their plans include forming an academy to keep their revival going. And these things need money.

Morris said: "I believe in commercial decisions. If you don't have funds, you don't survive."

Mt Maunganui, which drew good crowds for Bay of Plenty's games, lacks the covered seating and floodlighting required for Super 12 games.