Stars align to try to save the game

Former All Black Allan Hewson is worried rugby is suffering a ‘‘slow death’’.

Which is why he and seven other former internationals, including four captains, have banded together to convince NZ Rugby to make urgent changes to save the game they love.

Wellington businessman Douglas Catley, who is spearheading the campaign to seek an audience with the NZ Rugby board, has the backing of former All Blacks Ian Kirkpatrick, Alex Wyllie, Dave Loveridge, Stu Wilson, Andy Leslie, Earle Kirton, Mark Shaw and Hewson.

This week Catley placed an advertisement in several newspapers to seek feedback about his concerns; he says the negative consequences of professional rugby on the amateur arm must be addressed, and that the game’s rules ‘‘resemble 15-man league’’.

Catley is also worried about teenagers ditching the game, and the impact that has on clubs.

‘‘World Rugby really needs a think tank involving ex and current professional players . . .’’

‘‘It’s just that the game is not attractive for people to play at age-group or amateur level.’’

‘‘It’s about keeping players in the game and not giving up when they don’t make rep teams.’’

He may struggle to gain traction from NZ Rugby or the public if he did this as a lone wolf. But having the exAll Blacks on his side (Wyllie also coached the national side), ensures the crusade should be taken seriously.

As Hewson notes, this isn’t about criticising NZ Rugby.

Instead, it’s a genuine plea from the men, who made significant financial sacrifices to represent their country as amateurs, to find constructive ways to make the sport more appealing for people outside the professional sphere.

‘‘It’s just that the game is not attractive for people to play at agegroup

Ian Kirkpatrick, left

or amateur level because of the crash and the bash style,’’ Hewson says.

‘‘And if you look at the professional game, it is also not that flash to watch at times because of the way the defences are set up. There are lots of bits and pieces that make up the slow death, if you like.’’

NZ Rugby is aware of the issues that plague its sport; since Covid-19 bulldozed its way through its financial books last year, it’s expected to post a loss of around $40 million and it has been trying to put out fires on multiple fronts.

Catley and the group of All Blacks sympathise, but they don’t want issues created by the pandemic to push other pressing issues into the shadows.

Former test captain Ian Kirkpatrick insists more needs to be done to make the game safer for kids, teenagers and club players.

‘‘Parents don’t want to see their children get hurt by brutal tackles,’’ Kirkpatrick says. ‘‘The main concern is that people aged between 12 and 18 aren’t playing. The game is so physical, and it’s putting all these young guys off from playing. It has become so gladiatorial.’’

Kirkpatrick wants the laws to encourage more attacking play; making more forwards commit to rucks instead of plugging daylight in the

Allan Hewson, left

defensive line is one suggestion.

‘‘The game has got to be made more attractive for kids, so they can play with their mates and have fun.’’

Kirkpatrick, who is also NZ Rugby’s patron, has listened to those who watch and like the sport. Many, like him, are worried about the way the game has evolved.

‘‘World Rugby really needs a think tank involving ex and current professional players to sort out something that is going to be more enjoyable to play for them and the fans and TV.’’

Loveridge, along with Kirkpatrick and Hewson, praised NZ Rugby for introducing the under-85kg national club rugby cup last year, but more could be done to retain players once they depart school.

‘‘It’s about keeping players in the game and not giving up when they don’t make rep teams and academies and that sort of stuff,’’ Loveridge said.

‘‘It’s about putting that fertiliser on to get the grassroots going. Because we are seeing such a big falloff once kids leave high school.’’

NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson has already met Catley and the group on several occasions.

Catley has been impressed with Robinson’s willingness to listen and assist, but believes this is a policy matter for NZ Rugby’s board.

Dave Loveridge, left

‘‘Our aim is to have the whole board listen to a representative from our group, so they can see for themselves the commitment and the passion that emanates from these fellows.’’

Had Catley his way, he would like NZ Rugby to focus totally on amateur rugby for the next five years.

‘‘The professional game has to stay but it should not be the paramount concern of the current administrators.

‘‘And I would like to see the NZ Rugby board lead the way by advocating a change in the rules to alleviate the concerns of a lot of people throughout New Zealand,’’ Catley said.