Wynne Gray: Winds of change must blow through hidebound NZRFU

Among the vast numbers in the Huddart Parker Bunker there is bound to be someone whose job description is diarist.

Right now that person should be inking in a special general meeting for the New Zealand Rugby Union.

It is clear provincial disquiet is at such a level after the Eichelbaum Report that the provinces will seek an administrative overhaul.

That review must start as soon as possible.

For the past four months, since New Zealand removed itself from hosting the World Cup, the provinces have been bemoaning the lack of connection, action and directives from the NZRFU.

Allowing the latest inquisition into the collective responsibility of the board to fester on for a few more months is no answer.

It is probably an NZRFU tactic. The directors showed their thinking when they chose to stay on after the Eichelbaum Report.

As chief executive David Rutherford left and Murray McCaw stepped down as chairman following the inquiry, that seemed to placate the board.

We were told it considered resigning en masse, but then it is hard to believe lots of things that happen in the Bunker these days.

Had the board been in touch with the provinces throughout the World Cup saga, then the NZRFU might have discovered how passionate New Zealand was about hosting the fifth global tournament.

Now they are hearing that message very strongly.

So why procrastinate, why go through the rigmarole and expense of bringing the provinces to Wellington this week to tell the NZRFU they want action? Is it just that the NZRFU remains in denial?

There have been arguments that continuity is needed on the board to provide experience to deal with issues such as the renewal of the adidas sponsorship deal, Super 12 and Tri-Nations contracts, work with the IRB and Sanzar.

Well, that continuity counted for zippo in the World Cup schemozzle and who knows what else.

Then there were the behind-the-scenes deals involving new member Paul Quinn as it became clear McCaw would step aside as chairman.

Apparently Quinn offered his support for John Spicer in return for being made deputy but was rebuffed because of his inexperience. Then Quinn suggested a similar deal to Rob Fisher and the new leadership deal was done.

That contradicts assertions about the need for experience. Quinn has only been on the board since April.

New Zealand needs some vibrant new strike power on the board - men or women who are involved in rugby and commerce, who can bring a sense of purpose and direction to NZRFU policy.

But the critical appointment will be Rutherford's successor. The new chief executive has to be the face, voice and spark which has been missing from New Zealand rugby for the past few years.

In its search last time, the board was apparently not inundated with applications. They went beyond rising official Steve Tew to Rutherford.

Do they backtrack this time or go global, headhunt someone with special qualities and pay them accordingly?

Money cannot be the issue. Just tot up some of the dollars spent in past months after NZRFU officials flew business class and spent a week in Dublin for failed World Cup meetings, made mercy trips to Sydney and Beijing, ordered the Eichelbaum Report, brought 50 provincial delegates to Wellington last week and paid lawyers' fees.

The provinces need to let the NZRFU know it has failed them. It is time for change and some strong decisions.

Sir Thomas Eichelbaum's full report