New Zealand Rugby facing civil war as players association threatens to break away

The professional game in New Zealand is facing the prospect of a civil war after the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) issued a threat to break away from the current governance structure and form a new body.

The threat comes as recommendations from the governance review completed last year face opposition from the provincial unions who want a second proposal implemented.

The NZRPA states they are prepare to go with the nuclear option should the provincial union's proposal is implemented.

A letter has been sent to the NZR voting member detailing the threat.

“Should Proposal 2 [put forward by some provincial unions] be adopted, or the status quo prevail, the professional players will no longer pass to NZRU, via a collective employment agreement, the right to govern the professional game,” the NZRPA letter said.

“A new body will be established to govern the professional game in New Zealand. Directors appointed by the professional players will represent the players on this body and on other bodies such as NZRC [New Zealand Rugby Commercial].

“NZRU will make appointments to this new body, as will, likely NZRC. Super Rugby Clubs will be represented and tangata whenua will of course be inherent."

The NZRPA's option would further put the game into turmoil for the foreseeable future, but is a necessary outcome according to NZRPA Chief Rob Nichol.

The players' association will not accept any changes to the original recommendations that are inferior.

“The proposed new arrangements outlined above are NOT the NZRPA’s preference,” the letter said.

“The professional players do not want to see a divided and further complicated governance system but will not under any circumstances be governed under Proposal 2 or the status quo.”

The original governance review concluded that the current operating model was not 'fit for purpose' and recommended sweeping changes.

At the crux of the matter is the fight for power between the NZRU and provincial body unions, who rely heavily on funding from the national body to operate.

The provincial unions have been operating at 'unsustainable' levels of spending according to the review, with a preference for funding high-performance programmes over community initiatives.

However, the provincial unions have the power to overthrow the NZRU board, leading to continual conflict and a lack of accountability as the spending cannot be controlled.

NZRPA's letter highlighted that only two parties are required to run professional rugby, NZRU and the collective players, without the provincial unions.

“You will be aware that the professional players and NZRU share the assets needed to operate professional rugby,” the letter said.

“For instance, NZRU owns the silver fern logo, the names of our great teams and the right to enter competitions such as the Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup and Rugby World Cup.

“The combination of these assets with the players creates the opportunity for professional rugby in New Zealand.”