Memo to IRB boss revealed

By WYNNE GRAY

New Zealand rugby boss Murray McCaw increased his attack on the IRB last night by unveiling a private memo and claiming unjust dealings about next year's World Cup.

McCaw believes excerpts from his letter to chairman Vernon Pugh show the IRB reneged on a verbal agreement about rugby's showcase tournament.

After discussing signage and hospitality box options with IRB chief Vernon Pugh last November, McCaw penned some notes about the conversation.

He sent a copy to Pugh, tabled the contents with the NZRFU board and yesterday revealed to the Herald the relevant parts of his correspondence.

"We also discussed two other issues re Rugby World Cup that will impact on the sub-host agreement: boxes - Rugby World Cup Ltd continue to take the line with the ARU that they want 100 per cent of boxes for their commercial programme," McCaw wrote.

"They have not accepted the latest compromise position provided by the ARU.

"You advised me the ARU are going to sign on this basis on an understanding that a pragmatic solution will be reached.

"You want us to do the same. However, you recognised our position but said you cannot afford to treat us differently to the ARU.

"I outlined how we could compromise by use of the 'large hospitality area' but we are going to have to work this through with your people at each venue."

Pugh could not be reached for comment yesterday about this or other issues surrounding the decision last week to remove New Zealand as the World Cup sub-host after it refused to sign an agreement.

The IRB leader was supposed to be in Sydney yesterday to fit in with the original plans to launch the World Cup today at Taronga Park Zoo. Instead, Pugh is expected to have discussions with the ARU about plans for it to be the sole host.

McCaw also wrote notes about the 500m clear zone the IRB wanted for signage and used the example of the Wellington Railway Station.

"Again you said there would be a pragmatic conclusion and that in the meantime we should obtain a first right of refusal for all such signs that can then be offered to sponsors when they visit the stadia in the next three months.

"If they do not take them up then the sign can be released. On this basis there will not be any costs on us."

Despite McCaw's belief the IRB would make concessions about having 100 per cent "clean" grounds in New Zealand, that allowance never eventuated as the deadline for signing expired last Friday.

Meanwhile, Australia has signed off as host and accepted it cannot yet deliver 100 per cent "clean" venues.

Since then, the arguments have continued, with the NZRFU claiming it had legal advice that only a full meeting of the IRB council on April 12 could remove it from a sub-host role.

McCaw has questioned the wisdom of Pugh holding down roles as chairman of the IRB and Rugby World Cup Ltd, and labelled him a "consummate politician" in keeping the disputing groups apart.

As New Zealand continues to search for blame and reasons for the country's exit from the cup, former Wallaby skipper John Eales predicted there would be a huge backlash from rugby fans.

He wondered about McCaw's saying he did not want to mortgage New Zealand's rugby future to the whim of the RWC board or sell New Zealand's soul.

"It may placate the public in the short term," Eales said, "but when the harsh reality bites and they realise the World Cup will not be played out in their backyard, there will be a serious backlash."