Kiwis’ support for rugby ‘waning’
Rugby may be New Zealand’s national sport, but not everyone loves it, academics say.
The All Blacks’ dominance of the sport should not be interpreted as representing universal support for the game in New Zealand, says University of Auckland professor Toni Bruce.
Bruce will be one of several speakers at The World in Union Conference 2017, at the end of the month.
As the British and Irish Lions tour New Zealand this month, academics have delved into the history of the game.
While rugby is often alluded to as the national game, Bruce argues that the reality is much more complex.
Bruce said many New Zealanders felt ‘‘at best’’ ambivalent about its position in society.
She will discuss New Zealanders’ contrasting responses to the 2007, 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and ways in which both fans and non-followers of rugby have experienced these events.
The World in Union Conference will ‘‘kick off’’ at the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North on June 28, with two days of presentations and discussions at Massey University’s Sport and Rugby Institute on June 29 and 30.
An international array of academics, practitioners and educators will make presentations on subjects including nationalism, culture, history, sport development, strength and conditioning, coaching, performance enhancement and sponsorship.
Massey University history senior lecturer Dr Geoff Watson said a variety of issues had caused some public waning in support.
‘‘The rise of soccer as an alternative option and critiques of violence and male chauvinism undermined public support for the game.’’
Watson has spent 17 years researching sports history in New Zealand, including the All Black dominance of the 1950s and 1960s, defeat to the 1971 Lions and victory against the 1977 Lions.
‘‘The fluctuating performances of the national team mirrored wider concerns about the state of the game.
‘‘These tensions took an unprecedented physical form in New Zealand during the 1981 South African tour, during which more than 150,000 New Zealanders engaged in protest action, resulting in some violent clashes between demonstrators, police and pro-tour supporters.’’
Lincoln University professor Greg Ryan said the 1950 Lions tour happened at a time when New Zealanders were insecure about the state of their national game, having lost six test matches in 1949.
Conference director and sport management lecturer Dr Rachel Batty said the historical perspectives would add value to the conference.
‘‘They highlight how the game has changed over time and rugby’s continuing relationship with society.‘‘
Former All Black Eroni Clarke will be presenting at the conference. He played two tests against the Lions in 1993.