NPC format set to remain for next season
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is leaning towards retaining the status quo for the Mitre 10 Cup format and is running out of time to revamp the 2021 competition.
Provincial unions (PUs) and NZR have considered changes for the men’s national provincial championship (NPC) to slash costs but Stuff understands the same format is likely to be retained for next year at least.
The current format, which was first introduced in 2011, includes a premiership and a championship with a promotion-relegation system and crossover matches between the two divisions.
One option considered more seriously has been to split the 14-team competition into north and south pools.
It was hoped more money could be saved
on travel, a huge expense for NZR and PUs, while retaining crossover matches in the regular season to ensure the Ranfurly Shield isn’t stuck in either pool. However, it’s understood there are concerns about whether that split would mean an equal share of travel costs for each province.
A north pool comprised of Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Counties Manukau, North Harbour, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki would mean less flying for those PUs and significant travel savings.
A south pool comprised of Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu¯, Wellington, Tasman, Canterbury, Otago and Southland, however, could mean travel costs are much higher for PUs challenged by geography.
Financially, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu¯ and Wellington could be hit harder from flying more regularly between the North and South Island.
NZR is declining to comment on potential changes to the provincial game’s structure as consultations are ongoing.
The final decisions are expected after a board meeting in early December.
Auckland and Tasman contest the premiership final at Eden Park tonight but it’s a nervous time for North Harbour, who finished bottom after a thrilling final round, as their relegation to the championship is still pending.
Likewise, the winner of last night’s championship final between Hawke’s Bay and Northland won’t know if they’ve won promotion until NZR confirms the format for next year.
Meanwhile, Stuff understands there are also question marks about whether a format change can be justified and implemented for 2021 without more research and analysis into whether it’s needed.
NZR conducted a review into the provincial game, the Nga Miro Report, and changes were recommended.
However, the clock is ticking if there were to be changes for 2021 and it could be too late to enforce them sufficiently.
PUs have to advance preparations for next year sooner rather than later and are eagerly awaiting the NPC draw to budget for travel
and accommodation costs.
NZR has been exploring how to map out a sustainable financial future and slash costs from competitions such as the Mitre 10 Cup.
The governing body is facing a financial hit of more than $40 million in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
If the proposed format change to north and south pools is not viable for next year and unable to save as much money as was hoped, NZR will have to find another way to cut costs.
PUs are already facing funding cuts of up to 20 per cent from NZR.
The current format popular.
The seven championship teams can’t win the top prize, the premiership title, and provincial coaches have this month said it needs changing, including Canterbury’s Reuben Thorne andWellington’s Leo Crowley.
Changes also could mean more meaningless matches with only four semifinal places to play for and potentially no relegation battle to keep interest alive in the bottom half.
Whatever happens, major change appears increasingly unlikely for 2021 although it is is still a possible outcome in the future. is not universally