Nichol blasts ‘illconceived’ approach from NZ Rugby

‘‘What we’re still pushing for over the next three weeks is rather than people working in isolation we’re able to create an opportunity where NZ Rugby, the Players’ Association, Pasifika community and other key stakeholders — like the clubs, Sky TV — get in a room and exhaust all opportunities to see where this fits.

‘‘That opportunity hasn’t presented itself because with NZ Rugby running its bid process it creates all sorts of issues — and as it turned out it was a bit process with nothing at the end of it; no certainty, no nothing. It’s left a real hollow feeling.’’

NZR’s expressions of interest approach to reshaping Super Rugby has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from Rugby Australia, which was essentially told to cut at least two teams and therefore did not apply.

Nichol says there needs to be perspective about how much Australia can bring to the table, and a changing of attitudes in the way in which NZR conducts its business.

‘‘What we don’t want is someone trying to be the kingmaker in this situation. As soon as someone feels they’re in a position to dictate, a whole lot of other people want to take them down.

‘‘We have five teams and a commercial market that’s smaller than New South Wales. Australia comes with assets. They come with experience, and legacy. Respect that legacy and work with them.

‘‘This business of an eightteam competition with three new teams, we don’t get that.

‘‘From our perspective you don’t go out with another option until you’ve exhausted the logical one, which is working with Australia and the Pacific Islands to form something across transtasman Pacific.

‘‘Our advice is to work with Australia, help make them stronger, that’s what is going to benefit us all in the long run. We prefer a humble approach where we work with people and attempt to come up with solutions.’’

With existing Sanzaar contracts in place, Nichol says NZR cannot commit to anything for 2022 and beyond.

‘‘When you’re running a bidding process for something you can’t commit to, what’s going on? That’s the first big question.’’

‘‘Now is the time for the Sanzaar partnership to get stronger. Otherwise we really do risk becoming isolated in the rugby world." — The New Zealand Herald