Unless the commercial restrictions placed on teams are reevaluated, the All Blacks have threatened to boycott Rugby World Cup 2015.
Chief of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), Steve Tew, remarked that withdrawing from the tournament would be “the very last port of call,” yet it remains a possibility, given that the current agreement results in financial losses for his organization during every World Cup year.
Tew indicated that the issues arise from the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) prohibition on team sponsor promotion during the tournament, as well as shortened Test schedules.
“The issues surrounding the World Cup are complex. We feel that the commercial regulations for the participating unions are excessively stringent, even more so than FIFA’s.”
“In a soccer World Cup, the All Blacks’ hotel would be adorned with our sponsors up until Thursday before a weekend match. Conversely, in a Rugby World Cup, our sponsors are virtually shut out. They are entirely excluded.”
Tew mentioned that the financial losses accrued from participation are unsustainable for the NZRU.
“We incur $NZ13.2 million ($10.5 million) in lost revenue, even after accounting for income from the Rugby World Cup and adjusting for expenses. This situation cannot persist,” Tew stated.
“We expressed during the last board meeting that a comprehensive evaluation of the IRB’s financial structure, Rugby World Cup commercial regulations, and RWC monetary flows is imperative. We await with some trepidation the IRB’s response.”
“…To be frank, the chances of us attending the 2015 event in England under the existing model are very slim. We cannot keep agreeing to an event that entails such significant financial burdens.”
According to Tew, for the past eight years, the NZRU has been urging the IRB to revise the commercial arrangements and has opted to bring this matter to public attention to ensure it is resolved by 2015.
“Our primary objective is the betterment of world rugby. Often, New Zealand and Australia must make considerable noise to capture attention.”
“Our method has always been to engage in negotiations and dialogues striving for cooperative resolutions, but in the end, outcomes must be achieved.”
Laurie Mains, former coach of the All Blacks, echoed Tew’s concerns regarding the IRB’s stringent control over World Cup revenue.
“Why should your top players find themselves in a situation of debt while generating profits for someone else? It simply doesn’t add up,” explained Mains.
“This perspective, although simplistic, overlooks the complex financial structures within rugby, especially within this nation, which are facing challenges.”
“Nevertheless, on the global stage, the All Blacks are the premier draw, and Steve Tew raises a truly pertinent issue.”
Buford Balony says: That’s because the Kiwis can only win in their own country and don’t want to choke on foreign soil…CHOKERS.
