The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) remains steadfast despite the adoption of the controversial Proposal 2 by the governing body. At a special general meeting, the counter-offer, supported by several provincial unions, secured approval, prompting the NZRPA to issue a warning letter last week, threatening a breakaway from New Zealand Rugby (NZR) if the diluted proposal passed. With Proposal 2 now endorsed, it mandates three out of nine NZR board members to have prior service on provincial boards.
In contrast, Proposal 1, endorsed by current and former All Blacks players, aimed to enact recommendations from an independent review known as the Pilkington Report, which criticized NZR’s functionality and suggested the appointment of all nine board members independently. Arran Pene, a former All Black on the NZ Māori Rugby board, criticized Proposal 2’s acceptance, likening it to a setback and emphasizing the urgency of addressing issues within the sport.
NZRPA’s chief executive, Rob Nichol, reiterates their intention to proceed with the split from the governing body, expressing mistrust in NZR’s ability to make decisions independently. Despite Proposal 2’s passage, Nichol insists the status quo persists and laments the missed opportunity to implement necessary changes as recommended by the expert panel.
Blues captain and current All Black, Patrick Tuipulotu, voiced disappointment over Proposal 1’s failure but emphasized the importance of collective decision-making for rugby’s future, urging openness in future discussions to achieve desired outcomes.
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