Provincial competition must adjust to new Covid19 world

EVERYTHING appears to be on the table for the future of the Mitre 10 Cup though there is one constant — there will be change.

But the Heartland competition looks set to return next year with no changes.

As the national provincial competition heads into the playoffs and the climax of the season, thoughts turn to what the competition will look like next year.

With New Zealand Rugby budgeting to lose as much as $40 million this year as revenue plunges because of the impact of Covid19, changes are afoot.

Otago Rugby Football Union general manager Richard Kinley said NZ Rugby was working through a future document with all provinces and other interested parties.

But nothing has been decided and dialogue was continuing.

‘‘They are looking at different opportunities and different options which they have done over the years,’’ he said.

‘‘But it is no secret with what has happened this year is that we need to reengage rugby as a sport that has a sustainable future.’’

He said no options had yet been presented for the competition next year.

Stuff reported yesterday the 14 unions would next year be split into two pools of seven, split on geographical lines. The four South Island unions: Tasman, Otago, Canterbury and Southland would be joined by Wellington, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay to have a southern pool while the other seven sides: Northland, North Harbour, Auckland, CountiesManukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki would be in the other pool.

The top two from each pool would make playoffs.

Kinley said nothing had been decided and a very comprehensive process was being undertaken.

It was hoped the consultation would be finished by the end of the year.

All sports were going through some form of navelgazing as the Covid19 pandemic puts a big hit on funding, leading to questions on what the future will look like.

Kinley said having an Otago team was still part of the union’s mission statement which centred around fostering the sport through pathways, participation and representing the union.

Unions are likely to receive a reduction in grants from NZ Rugby next year.

Cuts had already started. Otago travelled to Invercargill on the day of the game last week and returned the same day when usually it would stay overnight before the game.

Southland general manager Steve Mitchell said negotiations were continuing over the future of provincial rugby. He said it was crucial to Southland to stay in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Unions were facing funding cuts similar to this year but would not have the wage subsidy to fall back on.

It was difficult for smaller unions such as Southland which faced higher costs for travelling.

North Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Colin Jackson said the Heartland Championship was set to return next year with no changes.

He said part of the agreement to can it this year was the guarantee from NZ Rugby it would return with the same structure in 2021.

The Heartland Championship was canned just after Covid19 hit as part of costcutting by NZ Rugby.