Franchises grateful for assistance package
Every little bit matters as New Zealand’s five Super Rugby franchises fight for their survival through the coronavirus crisis.
That’s why there was not a hint of dissatisfaction around New Zealand Rugby’s Wednesday announcement they were dispersing $1.25 million around the five Kiwi clubs in the form of $250,000 ‘‘critical supplement’’ grants to help tide them through the next three months of Covid-19 uncertainty.
The fact of the matter is that’s a woefully inadequate amount to offset the loss of income these organisations are suffering through the shutdown. In terms of a financial parachute, it falls well short of bailing out the revenue descent.
Stuff understands there was private disappointment that New Zealand Rugby’s aid package was not more significant.
It’s more than the proverbial drop in the ocean, but as one unnamed figure referenced, ‘‘it’s not going to change my world’’. Some franchises budget for around $1 million in revenue for each home match.
However, these are desperate times and every little bit helps. The Highlanders confirmed they had made across-the-board 30 per cent pay-cuts to weather the storm. It’s understood their fellow organisations have tightened their belts in similar fashion.
That’s why, when Stuff spoke to three of the five chief executives who run the Kiwi Super Rugby businesses (the Crusaders and Blues were unavailable), the reaction was largely positive.
‘‘It’s great to have a contribution,’’ said Hurricanes boss Avan Lee.
‘‘The $250,000 will absolutely help, but the biggest question is will we play rugby again in 2020? And if we don’t the impact will be far greater. That’s the worst-case scenario in my mind, and there’s hopefully some upside along the way and this contribution from NZR is one of those.’’
Chiefs boss Michael Collins was equally buoyant, even if that $250,000 won’t go far to meeting the shortfall he’s experiencing.
‘‘We’re in a real battle . . . we’re all fighting for survival,’’ he said. ‘‘The number is the headlinegrabber, but for us it’s the sentiment behind it and the other work that probably doesn’t get highlighted – the business support and the hours of work several staff at NZR are doing with us behind the scenes.
‘‘We weren’t expecting a contribution. NZR has been clear their business was stretched, and to get that news was fantastic. Every little bit helps in our fight.’’
Experienced Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said they were grateful for the contribution.
‘‘It reinforces what a great relationship we’ve got with NZR. When you’ve got no product, for any professional sports organisation that means no revenue. You can burn up your reserves pretty quickly and we’ve all done our best to adapt and cut the costs we need to get through this.’’
■ New Zealand Rugby has clarified comments by its chief executive, Mark Robinson, on Wednesday about pay cuts.
‘‘NZR staff [including All Blacks management] and the board have had a 20 per cent cut, which was able to be kept to 20 per cent thanks to the Government wage subsidy,’’ it said yesterday.
Robinson had said it was a 40 per cent cut.