Union unloads the running of institute

Massey University is to take over management of the Institute of Rugby from the New Zealand Rugby Union, it emerged yesterday.

The institute cost Massey $6 million to build and was opened in 1999. But the union has bought out of its lease, which had 16 years to run, and the complex will change hands on May 1.

The facility is run by NZRFU staff, who are expected to be made redundant unless taken on by Massey.

The handover has been likely for a year, but the NZRFU board made its final decision only late last week. It would not disclose the cost of the buyout.

- NZPA