Great leap forward
Unions commit to national championship
Wellington, Otago and Manawatu¯ are confident and committed about taking part in the Mitre 10 Cup later this year as three-way talks continue between the provincial unions, New Zealand Rugby and the players’ union.
Reports that some unions might not be able to participate in this year’s competition emerged on Wednesday, with the trio of unions said to be ‘‘on the fence’’ but Lions CEO Matt Evans told Stuff yesterday: ‘‘We’re working hard to make sure it does happen.
‘‘We’ve got faith in the process and appreciate that everyone is motivated to get this resolved as soon as possible and remove any uncertainty.
‘‘We’re looking forward to being on the starting line.’’
Otago were even more emphatic, with chairwoman Rowena Davenport describing reports that they were wavering in their commitment to the competition as ‘‘misleading’’.
‘‘Reference in the article to Otago being ‘on the fence’ and in a precarious position is incorrect and misleading,’’ Davenport said in a statement.
‘‘The ORFU is, and always has been, committed to participating in any national provincial competition, as communicated to New Zealand Rugby and to all other provincial unions at the commencement of the Covid-19 lockdown period.’’
Manawatu¯ CEO Shannon Paku said: ‘‘Yes, like many other businesses in New Zealand, we are navigating an unprecedented financial landscape . . .
‘‘But I want to reinforce that the MRU are committed to the Mitre 10 Cup and Farah Palmer Cup this year,’’ he said.
NZ Rugby announced in May that the Mitre 10 Cup would start on September 11 but further details have not been released.
Taranaki, Southland, Northland and North Harbour were reported to be the unions at most risk of not taking part as disagreements persist over the scale of pay cuts provincial players needed to take.
However, despite the financial pressures, Stuff understands Southland will take part in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup and were also frustrated about reports suggesting they could pull out.
Provincial rugby sources indicated that for some unions a final agreement on Mitre 10 Cup participation comes down to the low tens of thousands of dollars while others are more stretched than that.
It is understood there is some frustration a deal with the players has not been reached, particularly as staff at provincial unions, including coaches, have made significant financial sacrifices.
There is also recognition that the negotiations with the players’ union is complex and that they were inching in the right direction.
NZ Rugby general manager, participation and development Steve Lancaster said: ‘‘It is our absolute intention to have all 14 teams competing this year and we are confident that a full Mitre 10 Cup will be up and running from September 11.’’
The availability of All Blacks in this year’s competition is another detail being worked through. Provincial unions are keen to get the All Blacks involved, but only if it works for them financially.
Traditionally, they receive financial compensation if one of their players is called into the All Blacks during the Rugby Championship.
Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has told Sky’s The Pod series he was keen on playing provincial rugby this year, and All Blacks and Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith said on Wednesday that he was determined to turn out for Manawatu¯ after a decade-long absence.