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An ex-NZR boss has called on 'out of touch' CEO Robinson to resign
By Liam Heagney
Ex-New Zealand Rugby boss David Moffett has slammed current NZR CEO Mark Robinson, claiming he should return home from attending the Commonwealth Games in Britain and write his letter of resignation. Moffett led the NZR during the early years of the game turning pro, serving as CEO from 1996 to 2000.
Having since worked with NRL, Sport England and the Welsh Rugby Union, Moffett now lives in Canterbury and he weighed in on the chaos that has engulfed rugby in New Zealand in recent weeks with an appearance on Mike Hosking Breakfast, the Newstalk ZB radio show.
Robinson has come under fire for his handling of the fallout from the All Blacks’ 1-2 Test series loss to Ireland and his stewardship was heavily criticised in midweek by ex-team boss Steve Hansen, who claimed the relationship between players and the board was the worst it has ever been.
Now, Moffett has weighed in on the controversy, suggesting it is time for Robinson to quit following a messy episode for the NZR. “He [Robinson] should come back to New Zealand and while he is here, write his letter of resignation," said Moffett.
"It's debilitating for everyone, but especially the fans. If Robinson cared about the fans he would be here speaking directly to the fans and saying, 'These are the mistakes we have made, this is what we are doing to correct it and I am going to be accountable’.
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/24837692/episode/99842942/?keyid%5B0%5D=The%20Mike%20Hosking%20Breakfast&keyid%5B1%5D=David%20Moffett%3A%20Former%20NZR%20boss%20calls%20for%20resignation%20of%20Mark%20Robinson&sc=podcast_widget
"How out of touch are these guys in New Zealand Rugby? Saying nothing is the least favourite option? He should be back here, fronting the media, holding up his hand - not leaving it up to guys like (Ian) Foster to front the media on this bloody shambles. It's chaotic in there at the moment.
"Steve said that he might one day make a good CEO. Well, the CEO of New Zealand Rugby is not the place to learn how to be a CEO. You have to hit the ground running and your judgement has to be spot on. But the worst piece of judgement at the moment is the guy refuses to front the media. Foster's got his own accountabilities, but the buck stops not with the board but with him [Robinson]."
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It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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