1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,387 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:12,107 Speaker 1: from Newstalk ZB. 3 00:00:13,107 --> 00:00:16,107 Speaker 2: And looking forward to those calls. After I finished with 4 00:00:16,387 --> 00:00:19,427 Speaker 2: this call, CEO of Inns at Arms, Mark Robinson joins 5 00:00:19,507 --> 00:00:22,627 Speaker 2: now from South Africa. Great place to be. You had 6 00:00:22,667 --> 00:00:24,867 Speaker 2: to like the balls of the job, don't you. Mark. 7 00:00:25,187 --> 00:00:27,947 Speaker 2: I'm presuming you're looking forward to as an understatement, another 8 00:00:28,307 --> 00:00:31,907 Speaker 2: rip snorter of a Test match in Cape Down. Hey, 9 00:00:31,947 --> 00:00:33,667 Speaker 2: thanks for joining us. 10 00:00:34,027 --> 00:00:36,707 Speaker 3: Yeah, Hi Darcy and afternoons all the listeners. 11 00:00:37,507 --> 00:00:38,867 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's good to be back in the Republic. 12 00:00:38,907 --> 00:00:42,827 Speaker 3: Obviously a couple of years ago since the All Blacks 13 00:00:42,827 --> 00:00:44,547 Speaker 3: have been here, and it's been a long time since 14 00:00:44,547 --> 00:00:46,667 Speaker 3: we've been to Cape Town, but you certainly noticed the difference, 15 00:00:46,787 --> 00:00:49,747 Speaker 3: not only coming out of the attitude back to sea level, 16 00:00:49,747 --> 00:00:53,947 Speaker 3: which is good for the lungs, certainly the passion for 17 00:00:54,027 --> 00:00:57,107 Speaker 3: the sport here and that's sort of underlying All Black support, 18 00:00:57,147 --> 00:01:00,387 Speaker 3: it feels like is still really strong. So a lot 19 00:01:00,467 --> 00:01:02,947 Speaker 3: of people to welcome the team into Cape Town and 20 00:01:04,027 --> 00:01:07,347 Speaker 3: just a lot of people around the hotel and trainings 21 00:01:07,347 --> 00:01:07,947 Speaker 3: and things like that. 22 00:01:07,987 --> 00:01:09,267 Speaker 4: So yeah, there's a nice buzz building. 23 00:01:09,267 --> 00:01:12,787 Speaker 3: I think it's been sold out for some time. Really befitting. 24 00:01:12,907 --> 00:01:15,427 Speaker 3: I've been described and going around a little bit now. 25 00:01:15,587 --> 00:01:17,787 Speaker 3: Darcy is sort of the greatest rivalry around rugby, and 26 00:01:18,227 --> 00:01:20,547 Speaker 3: it feels like every time these two teams meet, these 27 00:01:20,627 --> 00:01:22,667 Speaker 3: just so much hype and excitement amount. 28 00:01:22,747 --> 00:01:23,867 Speaker 4: So it's great to be here. 29 00:01:24,387 --> 00:01:26,947 Speaker 2: Got the big news this week, mark is the fact 30 00:01:26,947 --> 00:01:30,267 Speaker 2: that the tours should be returning. I'm talking the spring 31 00:01:30,307 --> 00:01:33,547 Speaker 2: Box over here, the All Blacks back over there. This 32 00:01:33,827 --> 00:01:36,747 Speaker 2: is a return to the wonderment of the Tours. I 33 00:01:36,747 --> 00:01:39,267 Speaker 2: know there's a lot of very happy pundas out there 34 00:01:39,307 --> 00:01:42,867 Speaker 2: on both sides of the Indian Ocean. So how confident 35 00:01:42,987 --> 00:01:46,347 Speaker 2: are you that these tours will actually return? 36 00:01:47,347 --> 00:01:49,347 Speaker 3: Look, there's a little bit of more work to do, 37 00:01:49,507 --> 00:01:51,387 Speaker 3: you know, I can understand why there's probably been a 38 00:01:51,387 --> 00:01:53,987 Speaker 3: few comics released in this. 39 00:01:53,987 --> 00:01:54,547 Speaker 4: Part of the world. 40 00:01:54,627 --> 00:01:58,667 Speaker 3: It certainly certainly aligns with the amount of hype going 41 00:01:58,707 --> 00:01:59,787 Speaker 3: on here at the moment. 42 00:02:01,227 --> 00:02:04,147 Speaker 4: But nevertheless, he's still a few details to be worked. 43 00:02:03,867 --> 00:02:07,667 Speaker 3: Through, and the trenders positive in terms of the direction 44 00:02:07,747 --> 00:02:09,827 Speaker 3: of getting something finalized, hopefully in the near future. 45 00:02:09,867 --> 00:02:12,547 Speaker 4: But you know, a little more work to do. 46 00:02:12,627 --> 00:02:14,667 Speaker 3: But every time we seem to be engaged with the 47 00:02:14,707 --> 00:02:18,667 Speaker 3: South Africans about different ideas of working together. You know, 48 00:02:18,707 --> 00:02:21,747 Speaker 3: it's a really really positive constructive relationship at the moment 49 00:02:21,827 --> 00:02:24,627 Speaker 3: that's certainly being built on in the last keen days 50 00:02:24,667 --> 00:02:28,267 Speaker 3: so here. So it's been really good. But yeah, it 51 00:02:28,307 --> 00:02:29,987 Speaker 3: does provide a bit of a you know, for those 52 00:02:29,987 --> 00:02:31,827 Speaker 3: of you, I know you're a bit of a romantic 53 00:02:31,827 --> 00:02:34,867 Speaker 3: and becomes traditions of the sport, and this feels like 54 00:02:34,947 --> 00:02:37,467 Speaker 3: it's although it's going you know, back in time a 55 00:02:37,467 --> 00:02:40,467 Speaker 3: little bit. The traditions are so rich and the fans 56 00:02:40,507 --> 00:02:42,227 Speaker 3: are so engaged in and it feels like it's definitely 57 00:02:42,227 --> 00:02:43,747 Speaker 3: the right things for the fans. And I know that 58 00:02:43,787 --> 00:02:46,427 Speaker 3: the players are super excited as well to be able 59 00:02:46,427 --> 00:02:49,267 Speaker 3: to test themselves in an environment like Africa for you know, 60 00:02:49,307 --> 00:02:51,187 Speaker 3: a six or seven week period is something that will 61 00:02:51,187 --> 00:02:52,667 Speaker 3: certainly be a career highlighted them too. 62 00:02:53,307 --> 00:02:55,987 Speaker 2: So where did this concept start? How long has it 63 00:02:56,027 --> 00:02:59,947 Speaker 2: been going for these discussions? Was it initiated by yourselves? 64 00:02:59,987 --> 00:03:01,547 Speaker 2: By by South African Rugby? 65 00:03:02,467 --> 00:03:04,547 Speaker 3: We look, we've been talking with him about it for 66 00:03:05,827 --> 00:03:09,227 Speaker 3: a good couple years now at least, And I guess 67 00:03:09,227 --> 00:03:10,227 Speaker 3: it was born out of the. 68 00:03:10,187 --> 00:03:10,627 Speaker 4: Fact that. 69 00:03:12,147 --> 00:03:14,467 Speaker 3: You know, with a change in super we don't have 70 00:03:14,547 --> 00:03:18,067 Speaker 3: as much connection to each other. So it started about 71 00:03:18,067 --> 00:03:20,947 Speaker 3: how can we work together more given all the challenges 72 00:03:20,987 --> 00:03:23,747 Speaker 3: around cost of travel now on distances, player welfare and 73 00:03:23,787 --> 00:03:27,027 Speaker 3: all that sort of thing. And so, you know, we 74 00:03:28,067 --> 00:03:30,547 Speaker 3: just kept building on those conversations from a couple of 75 00:03:30,627 --> 00:03:33,987 Speaker 3: years back, and there are lots of different ideas about 76 00:03:34,107 --> 00:03:36,187 Speaker 3: club and country and all sorts of different things, and 77 00:03:36,227 --> 00:03:38,307 Speaker 3: this has been the idea that's really resonated the most 78 00:03:38,347 --> 00:03:41,147 Speaker 3: of both countries, I think. So I don't think it's 79 00:03:41,187 --> 00:03:43,707 Speaker 3: a case of any you know, one person or one 80 00:03:43,947 --> 00:03:46,187 Speaker 3: one of the nations taking credit for it, doce. It's 81 00:03:46,187 --> 00:03:48,587 Speaker 3: just been an outcome of a really good process of 82 00:03:48,627 --> 00:03:50,507 Speaker 3: a couple of unions that certainly respect each other and 83 00:03:50,547 --> 00:03:51,947 Speaker 3: want to be able to work together a lot. 84 00:03:52,587 --> 00:03:56,427 Speaker 2: You said roadblocks, Mark, So what exactly is in the 85 00:03:56,467 --> 00:03:59,027 Speaker 2: way of these tours going ahead? 86 00:04:00,547 --> 00:04:02,987 Speaker 4: Oh, look, I don't think. I wouldn't call them roadblocks. 87 00:04:02,987 --> 00:04:06,307 Speaker 3: I just think in any development of a major idea 88 00:04:06,507 --> 00:04:09,347 Speaker 3: like this, which is a you know, a departure from 89 00:04:09,827 --> 00:04:11,467 Speaker 3: how things have been done in the past, it's just 90 00:04:11,707 --> 00:04:13,947 Speaker 3: a lot of things, some some expected and sometimes some 91 00:04:14,027 --> 00:04:18,187 Speaker 3: unexpected to work through, and some some a more major 92 00:04:18,227 --> 00:04:22,267 Speaker 3: than others, you know, so we're really down to at 93 00:04:22,307 --> 00:04:25,067 Speaker 3: present times just looking at the final final schedules and 94 00:04:25,107 --> 00:04:30,347 Speaker 3: finals sort of commercials, and you know they ever say 95 00:04:30,387 --> 00:04:32,667 Speaker 3: they are getting work through all the time, and we're 96 00:04:32,667 --> 00:04:35,067 Speaker 3: coming closer and closer and closer together on those things 97 00:04:35,067 --> 00:04:36,187 Speaker 3: and more we sort of talk, so. 98 00:04:38,107 --> 00:04:40,227 Speaker 4: You know, it's just it's a bit more work to do. 99 00:04:40,307 --> 00:04:43,347 Speaker 3: Really, I wouldn't I wouldn't say big roadblocks or big obstacles. 100 00:04:42,987 --> 00:04:43,547 Speaker 4: Or anything like that. 101 00:04:43,587 --> 00:04:45,227 Speaker 3: It's just a case of just taking a time to 102 00:04:45,267 --> 00:04:48,947 Speaker 3: make sure get the right It's an important concept and 103 00:04:48,987 --> 00:04:50,387 Speaker 3: it's one we want to make sure we make all 104 00:04:50,387 --> 00:04:51,947 Speaker 3: the right decisions for and putting it together. 105 00:04:52,547 --> 00:04:55,027 Speaker 2: So it is looking like it's going to happen. Mark 106 00:04:55,267 --> 00:04:57,147 Speaker 2: is a bit of work to do, but it is 107 00:04:57,667 --> 00:05:00,827 Speaker 2: signed and sealed, just just a matter now of getting delivered. 108 00:05:02,347 --> 00:05:05,187 Speaker 4: We're really encouraged, Arthur, I know you. 109 00:05:05,867 --> 00:05:07,987 Speaker 3: I know, hard to get a sort of definitive statement 110 00:05:08,027 --> 00:05:09,707 Speaker 3: out of me here, but it's it's just a bit 111 00:05:09,747 --> 00:05:11,427 Speaker 3: too early to confirm it. I think we just need 112 00:05:11,427 --> 00:05:13,987 Speaker 3: a little bit more time. But it's it's facking really positive, 113 00:05:13,987 --> 00:05:16,947 Speaker 3: as I've said a couple of times already, and there's 114 00:05:16,947 --> 00:05:20,027 Speaker 3: good sentiment between the unions and we're clear on what 115 00:05:20,107 --> 00:05:22,387 Speaker 3: has to be sort of worked through, so hopefully we've 116 00:05:22,387 --> 00:05:24,907 Speaker 3: got more to say before the next couple of months. 117 00:05:24,907 --> 00:05:29,067 Speaker 2: Really, so does this have much of an effect on 118 00:05:29,307 --> 00:05:31,947 Speaker 2: the global calendar? Is this going to get in the 119 00:05:31,987 --> 00:05:35,267 Speaker 2: face of anything that's already pre pained? Did the world 120 00:05:35,347 --> 00:05:36,707 Speaker 2: rugby have to be involved in this? 121 00:05:38,307 --> 00:05:40,987 Speaker 3: Well, it works sort of the existing calendar, so there's 122 00:05:40,987 --> 00:05:42,667 Speaker 3: no change to the calendar as such. 123 00:05:43,867 --> 00:05:46,147 Speaker 4: You know it'll be played in the Rugby Championship window. 124 00:05:46,667 --> 00:05:50,907 Speaker 3: We're working really hard with Australia and Argentina is to 125 00:05:51,027 --> 00:05:55,107 Speaker 3: what in twenty six and thirty, you know, their fixtures 126 00:05:55,107 --> 00:05:57,347 Speaker 3: will look like, and then twenty seven, twenty eight and 127 00:05:57,347 --> 00:06:00,387 Speaker 3: twenty nine as it relates to the next cycle. There's 128 00:06:00,427 --> 00:06:02,347 Speaker 3: some really great work as to how all four unions 129 00:06:02,347 --> 00:06:08,187 Speaker 3: will be be working together in six and thirty. You know, 130 00:06:08,227 --> 00:06:11,507 Speaker 3: it's it really deserves to wait to sort of more 131 00:06:11,707 --> 00:06:13,427 Speaker 3: new news comes out of scenes are on us, but 132 00:06:13,467 --> 00:06:15,707 Speaker 3: they're thinking really creatively about what other countries might be 133 00:06:15,747 --> 00:06:18,467 Speaker 3: able to be involved, how we can still have some 134 00:06:18,507 --> 00:06:21,227 Speaker 3: connection to Australia and Argentina in those years. 135 00:06:21,307 --> 00:06:22,947 Speaker 4: So there's certainly. 136 00:06:22,587 --> 00:06:24,867 Speaker 3: A really positive intent from new Zealand and so there 137 00:06:24,947 --> 00:06:28,827 Speaker 3: I going to make sure that that those teams are 138 00:06:28,827 --> 00:06:31,467 Speaker 3: getting great fixtures still and then these other opportunities possibly 139 00:06:31,467 --> 00:06:33,787 Speaker 3: for other unions, and thinking about that that eight week 140 00:06:33,867 --> 00:06:35,587 Speaker 3: window and the Raping Championship. 141 00:06:35,147 --> 00:06:36,267 Speaker 4: That can be utilized as well. 142 00:06:36,347 --> 00:06:40,067 Speaker 3: So yep, you're right, I mean all the you know, 143 00:06:40,267 --> 00:06:42,147 Speaker 3: there's a lot to work through there, but I wouldn't 144 00:06:42,147 --> 00:06:45,907 Speaker 3: describe it as a change or an extension of the 145 00:06:45,907 --> 00:06:48,747 Speaker 3: global calendar. The global calendar, the regulation nine windows will 146 00:06:48,747 --> 00:06:51,747 Speaker 3: stay exactly as they are now and now you know, 147 00:06:51,787 --> 00:06:55,027 Speaker 3: our test match schedule will sit the same as it 148 00:06:55,027 --> 00:06:57,547 Speaker 3: it essentially does now, sort of between thirteen and fourteen 149 00:06:57,627 --> 00:06:59,467 Speaker 3: in any given year, depending on what's going on and 150 00:06:59,467 --> 00:07:01,187 Speaker 3: what stage of a World Cup cycle we're at. 151 00:07:02,187 --> 00:07:05,707 Speaker 2: So what about Australia and what about Argentina? If this 152 00:07:05,907 --> 00:07:09,067 Speaker 2: actually happens the South Africa New Zealand tours, is there 153 00:07:09,107 --> 00:07:12,547 Speaker 2: a chance that maybe there'll be a similar situation with 154 00:07:12,667 --> 00:07:15,667 Speaker 2: both Argentina and Australia. 155 00:07:15,867 --> 00:07:18,387 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's been talked about in one of the years, 156 00:07:18,627 --> 00:07:22,547 Speaker 3: So you know, can we utilize one of the years 157 00:07:22,587 --> 00:07:25,067 Speaker 3: to do more traditional you know, you could have two 158 00:07:25,107 --> 00:07:28,827 Speaker 3: sort of three week tours potentially but again that's more 159 00:07:28,867 --> 00:07:31,987 Speaker 3: to sort of stands out to, you know, announce and 160 00:07:32,027 --> 00:07:33,987 Speaker 3: share more information on that when. 161 00:07:33,827 --> 00:07:34,467 Speaker 4: The time's right. 162 00:07:34,547 --> 00:07:36,667 Speaker 3: But they're doing a huge amount of work with their 163 00:07:37,187 --> 00:07:41,787 Speaker 3: competition and tournament teams on different models and and that 164 00:07:41,907 --> 00:07:43,667 Speaker 3: sort of idea is certainly figuring for at least one 165 00:07:43,707 --> 00:07:44,547 Speaker 3: of the years maybe. 166 00:07:45,067 --> 00:07:48,387 Speaker 2: And it appears Mark Robinson's CEO of n Z are 167 00:07:48,707 --> 00:07:53,467 Speaker 2: that the governance situation that's been fraught over recent times, 168 00:07:53,747 --> 00:07:56,987 Speaker 2: it looks like it's going to be sorted out and 169 00:07:57,027 --> 00:07:59,707 Speaker 2: the various parties are coming together to try and find 170 00:07:59,747 --> 00:08:03,107 Speaker 2: some common ground to push forward. I believe as early 171 00:08:03,267 --> 00:08:06,267 Speaker 2: as December there'll be some solutions presented. 172 00:08:07,387 --> 00:08:09,507 Speaker 4: Yeah, you're exactly right. 173 00:08:09,507 --> 00:08:11,987 Speaker 3: There's probably not much for me to build on that, Darcy. 174 00:08:12,227 --> 00:08:14,627 Speaker 3: I think the stakeholder groups have come together in the 175 00:08:14,707 --> 00:08:17,907 Speaker 3: last a few weeks. It sounds like they've made good progress. 176 00:08:19,107 --> 00:08:21,307 Speaker 3: It seems to be a clear way forward now as 177 00:08:21,347 --> 00:08:24,907 Speaker 3: to what next steps are for working through a process 178 00:08:24,947 --> 00:08:28,307 Speaker 3: to appoint the board by time before Christmas. 179 00:08:28,787 --> 00:08:30,347 Speaker 4: So that's now. 180 00:08:30,387 --> 00:08:32,667 Speaker 3: That's what I've been updated on while I've been over here, 181 00:08:32,707 --> 00:08:34,987 Speaker 3: and largely it seems to be a good coming together 182 00:08:35,067 --> 00:08:38,507 Speaker 3: the game and it seems that most you, most views 183 00:08:38,547 --> 00:08:40,267 Speaker 3: of the stakeholders have been heard in that forum and 184 00:08:40,547 --> 00:08:42,067 Speaker 3: they're looking forward to get on with things now. 185 00:08:42,547 --> 00:08:46,467 Speaker 2: So now depinarly involved, Are you personally, Mark Robinson as 186 00:08:46,547 --> 00:08:49,787 Speaker 2: CEO of NS are you're getting your hands dirty? Are 187 00:08:49,787 --> 00:08:51,627 Speaker 2: you in that space to a degree? 188 00:08:53,107 --> 00:08:54,187 Speaker 4: Well, I'm not involved in all. 189 00:08:54,227 --> 00:08:56,587 Speaker 3: I haven't been involved in the government's advisory plannel work. 190 00:08:58,787 --> 00:09:02,067 Speaker 3: But we do provide a lot of support for our 191 00:09:03,587 --> 00:09:06,067 Speaker 3: mainly through our legal team Darcy, the people that are 192 00:09:06,067 --> 00:09:10,307 Speaker 3: close the constitution and all the different machinations of what 193 00:09:10,627 --> 00:09:12,787 Speaker 3: you know sits in the Constitution as. 194 00:09:12,667 --> 00:09:13,467 Speaker 4: It relates to the board. 195 00:09:13,507 --> 00:09:15,307 Speaker 3: So we provide a lot of support there into the 196 00:09:15,347 --> 00:09:18,667 Speaker 3: stakeholder groups, and we provide a lot of support primarily 197 00:09:18,667 --> 00:09:20,907 Speaker 3: again through our legal team into Patchy and the Board 198 00:09:20,907 --> 00:09:22,907 Speaker 3: informing them of what's going on. 199 00:09:24,027 --> 00:09:25,587 Speaker 4: But no, I'm not involved. 200 00:09:25,587 --> 00:09:28,587 Speaker 2: To repeat all, we'll talk a bit of coach Jorli 201 00:09:28,627 --> 00:09:32,147 Speaker 2: Marco promise. But before that, there's a rather large meeting 202 00:09:32,347 --> 00:09:35,147 Speaker 2: set to go ahead. It's a huge meeting. It's around 203 00:09:35,147 --> 00:09:38,547 Speaker 2: the finances of the game and we know that globally 204 00:09:39,187 --> 00:09:43,827 Speaker 2: it's fraught. All the CEOs and the major shareholders involved 205 00:09:43,827 --> 00:09:46,627 Speaker 2: in this are coming together to try and knock together 206 00:09:47,147 --> 00:09:47,827 Speaker 2: a solution. 207 00:09:49,187 --> 00:09:51,547 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think when you know, we're being pretty open 208 00:09:52,467 --> 00:09:56,267 Speaker 3: certainly when we share our own results and the challenges 209 00:09:56,307 --> 00:10:01,027 Speaker 3: we have of making our overall model work, that we're certainly. 210 00:10:00,827 --> 00:10:01,587 Speaker 4: Not on our own there. 211 00:10:01,627 --> 00:10:04,227 Speaker 3: And in fact, when we compare ourselves to a lot 212 00:10:04,387 --> 00:10:07,107 Speaker 3: or most national unions around the world, I think we're doing, 213 00:10:07,667 --> 00:10:10,867 Speaker 3: you know, relatively well in that space. But notwithstanding that, 214 00:10:10,947 --> 00:10:12,987 Speaker 3: you know, we none of us can play the game 215 00:10:13,027 --> 00:10:14,627 Speaker 3: on our own. We need we need each other as 216 00:10:14,707 --> 00:10:18,187 Speaker 3: national unions to be strong, and we need, you know, 217 00:10:18,227 --> 00:10:21,867 Speaker 3: to find ways to be able to create and drive 218 00:10:21,947 --> 00:10:24,107 Speaker 3: greater efficiency so the cost base of the game. Be 219 00:10:24,147 --> 00:10:27,347 Speaker 3: thinking more about that, and we need to be thinking 220 00:10:27,387 --> 00:10:29,507 Speaker 3: about how we can work together create greater. 221 00:10:29,267 --> 00:10:32,547 Speaker 4: Revenues as well. So, yeah, they are important meetings. 222 00:10:32,987 --> 00:10:34,747 Speaker 3: We're not there for very long, it's fair to say, 223 00:10:34,787 --> 00:10:38,147 Speaker 3: and coming from all the way, I'm going from from 224 00:10:38,187 --> 00:10:40,987 Speaker 3: Sydney myself back up to Dublin for a couple of 225 00:10:41,027 --> 00:10:44,067 Speaker 3: days essentially, and we certainly hope we get some really 226 00:10:44,587 --> 00:10:46,867 Speaker 3: you know, great engagement and some really meaningful sort of 227 00:10:46,907 --> 00:10:49,987 Speaker 3: outcomes from from the meetings. And it's fair to say 228 00:10:50,027 --> 00:10:53,307 Speaker 3: most major things are on the table, the role of 229 00:10:53,347 --> 00:10:56,227 Speaker 3: world rugby in this and some of the competitions that 230 00:10:56,307 --> 00:10:59,347 Speaker 3: are are challenged in terms of getting up and going 231 00:10:59,347 --> 00:11:02,587 Speaker 3: at the moment, some of the no secret things like 232 00:11:02,627 --> 00:11:05,747 Speaker 3: the sevens WXE, the women's game in general in terms 233 00:11:05,787 --> 00:11:10,587 Speaker 3: of making you know, a model that can work for 234 00:11:10,627 --> 00:11:14,107 Speaker 3: both of those formats, you know, And there's a whole 235 00:11:14,147 --> 00:11:17,307 Speaker 3: lot of commonalities across all the national unions that we're 236 00:11:17,307 --> 00:11:19,107 Speaker 3: going to sit down and hopefully spend some good time on. 237 00:11:19,267 --> 00:11:21,827 Speaker 3: And then and like I said before, some ideas around revenue. 238 00:11:21,827 --> 00:11:24,507 Speaker 3: As I guess with most unions now taking on partners 239 00:11:24,987 --> 00:11:27,987 Speaker 3: to help drive revenues and focusing on their own. 240 00:11:28,267 --> 00:11:30,867 Speaker 4: Models, there is also a number of ways we can probably. 241 00:11:30,547 --> 00:11:32,987 Speaker 3: Be working better across all of the national unions in 242 00:11:33,027 --> 00:11:34,907 Speaker 3: this world able to drive revenues a bit more. 243 00:11:35,707 --> 00:11:38,987 Speaker 2: So, what about the shadow of Saudi Arabia playing me 244 00:11:39,147 --> 00:11:41,987 Speaker 2: very keen to get involved in sport right across the 245 00:11:42,027 --> 00:11:45,387 Speaker 2: globe and number of different sports they've got a big 246 00:11:45,547 --> 00:11:49,107 Speaker 2: war chest behind them. Is that a possibility. Has that 247 00:11:49,227 --> 00:11:50,947 Speaker 2: advanced any further forward? 248 00:11:52,227 --> 00:11:52,387 Speaker 4: Well? 249 00:11:52,427 --> 00:11:53,867 Speaker 3: No, I mean you've asked me a couple of times 250 00:11:53,867 --> 00:11:57,027 Speaker 3: on Nastasi and recent times about the connection with Saudi 251 00:11:57,027 --> 00:11:58,307 Speaker 3: Arabian we don't. 252 00:11:58,147 --> 00:11:58,827 Speaker 4: Have any. 253 00:12:00,947 --> 00:12:05,267 Speaker 3: And heaven and in the past, and I'm not aware 254 00:12:05,307 --> 00:12:09,547 Speaker 3: of any disc that's not an a gender item during 255 00:12:09,547 --> 00:12:10,787 Speaker 3: these meetings in a couple of weeks time. 256 00:12:12,587 --> 00:12:15,707 Speaker 2: Yeah, But to be honest, this is always floating around 257 00:12:15,747 --> 00:12:18,907 Speaker 2: this concept of sounding money. It still seems to be 258 00:12:18,947 --> 00:12:21,387 Speaker 2: in the effort, So I suppose I have to ask 259 00:12:21,467 --> 00:12:23,827 Speaker 2: questions like that. Mark, I'm sorry that you're bored of 260 00:12:23,867 --> 00:12:24,547 Speaker 2: my narrative. 261 00:12:24,587 --> 00:12:24,987 Speaker 4: Mate. 262 00:12:25,747 --> 00:12:27,947 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's a fair question, Darcy. I mean, but that's 263 00:12:27,987 --> 00:12:31,667 Speaker 3: just the reality. I think there's always speculation around the game, 264 00:12:31,747 --> 00:12:34,587 Speaker 3: and we've become accustomed to dealing with things that frankly 265 00:12:35,627 --> 00:12:38,267 Speaker 3: aren't true or only we're near the truth, to be honest, sometimes, 266 00:12:38,307 --> 00:12:40,827 Speaker 3: and that's just the way we have to work through 267 00:12:42,027 --> 00:12:44,027 Speaker 3: an operator in sport, whether it's a high degree of 268 00:12:44,067 --> 00:12:45,947 Speaker 3: scrutiny and a high degree of interest and passion for 269 00:12:45,987 --> 00:12:48,987 Speaker 3: the sport, and that's that. I always say that that's 270 00:12:49,027 --> 00:12:51,187 Speaker 3: fantastic at one level because it shows that people care 271 00:12:51,227 --> 00:12:53,467 Speaker 3: and they want to understand the directions of sports. So 272 00:12:54,947 --> 00:12:56,627 Speaker 3: we understand that. But at the same time we have 273 00:12:56,667 --> 00:12:59,547 Speaker 3: to be clear and things affectually incorrect as well. 274 00:13:00,067 --> 00:13:03,347 Speaker 2: Thanks for clearing that up, Mark, But the summit itself, 275 00:13:03,387 --> 00:13:06,427 Speaker 2: it's only sure, well's that's the goal? What is the 276 00:13:06,547 --> 00:13:09,587 Speaker 2: endgame here? What do you guys need to have packaged 277 00:13:09,707 --> 00:13:11,467 Speaker 2: art before you get out of Dublin. 278 00:13:11,947 --> 00:13:15,307 Speaker 3: Well, I think the backdrop to this, obviously, Darcy, is 279 00:13:15,307 --> 00:13:19,467 Speaker 3: the election for Chair of World Rugby and the election 280 00:13:19,507 --> 00:13:21,347 Speaker 3: of a new board. 281 00:13:22,147 --> 00:13:23,107 Speaker 4: In mid November. 282 00:13:23,227 --> 00:13:25,307 Speaker 3: So I think, you know, my sense is World Rugby 283 00:13:25,347 --> 00:13:28,867 Speaker 3: are looking to advance some of this work and try 284 00:13:28,867 --> 00:13:31,667 Speaker 3: to create some momentum so that when the new board 285 00:13:31,707 --> 00:13:33,867 Speaker 3: come together and the executive are working with them, we 286 00:13:33,987 --> 00:13:37,787 Speaker 3: have a bit of a pathway to work on these 287 00:13:37,907 --> 00:13:40,947 Speaker 3: major major topics we're going to be talking about. So 288 00:13:41,027 --> 00:13:43,027 Speaker 3: coming out of that, we've got some really clear actions 289 00:13:43,027 --> 00:13:46,627 Speaker 3: that actually can and see some change come about in 290 00:13:46,627 --> 00:13:46,907 Speaker 3: some of. 291 00:13:46,867 --> 00:13:50,467 Speaker 4: These areas that we're all concerned about. So certainly, you. 292 00:13:50,467 --> 00:13:52,187 Speaker 3: Know, sitting here right now, I don't have all the 293 00:13:52,227 --> 00:13:54,187 Speaker 3: answers as to what's going to come out of it. 294 00:13:54,227 --> 00:13:57,147 Speaker 3: You've got to appreciate that, you know, there are twelve 295 00:13:57,267 --> 00:13:59,987 Speaker 3: unions going in all with different lenses and different views 296 00:13:59,747 --> 00:14:03,107 Speaker 3: on something somewhere aligned and some you know, there's not 297 00:14:03,227 --> 00:14:05,947 Speaker 3: strong alignment. So it's just a case of understanding each 298 00:14:05,987 --> 00:14:07,907 Speaker 3: other's you and working through that and getting the best 299 00:14:07,907 --> 00:14:10,947 Speaker 3: sort of level of align we can on on important 300 00:14:10,947 --> 00:14:15,147 Speaker 3: topics and then I guess developing a plan for each 301 00:14:15,187 --> 00:14:16,747 Speaker 3: of those and working forward from there. 302 00:14:18,027 --> 00:14:19,987 Speaker 2: Of course, the reason why all of these meetings is 303 00:14:20,027 --> 00:14:22,947 Speaker 2: the love of the game of rugby. Going to South 304 00:14:22,987 --> 00:14:26,827 Speaker 2: Africa from an all Blacks perspective is right at the pinnacle. 305 00:14:26,987 --> 00:14:30,787 Speaker 2: It's been tough going for Rasor Robertson so far, but 306 00:14:30,827 --> 00:14:33,227 Speaker 2: if you look at his tenure at the moment and 307 00:14:33,267 --> 00:14:37,107 Speaker 2: what he's achieved, are you raising this highly happy with 308 00:14:37,147 --> 00:14:39,067 Speaker 2: what Scott Robertson's achieved so far? 309 00:14:39,507 --> 00:14:43,067 Speaker 3: Oh, look, we're really happy with you know, the work 310 00:14:43,107 --> 00:14:44,307 Speaker 3: that's going in Darcy. 311 00:14:44,387 --> 00:14:45,467 Speaker 4: You know, as you say, a. 312 00:14:45,427 --> 00:14:48,227 Speaker 3: New group, number of new playing group and new management group, 313 00:14:49,387 --> 00:14:53,107 Speaker 3: some you know, some great glimpses at times of what's. 314 00:14:52,907 --> 00:14:54,747 Speaker 4: Going to be possible for this new group. Clearly some 315 00:14:54,787 --> 00:14:55,507 Speaker 4: things to work on. 316 00:14:55,587 --> 00:14:59,667 Speaker 3: So no, we're we're we're really pleased with with where 317 00:14:59,667 --> 00:15:01,867 Speaker 3: they're working to and certainly know to your question about effort, 318 00:15:01,867 --> 00:15:03,667 Speaker 3: there's no there's no doubt there's a huge amount of 319 00:15:03,707 --> 00:15:05,667 Speaker 3: effort and massive amount of work going and it's been 320 00:15:06,467 --> 00:15:09,507 Speaker 3: nice to be you know, in and around camp in 321 00:15:09,547 --> 00:15:13,667 Speaker 3: the last eight or nine days to see that firsthand 322 00:15:13,707 --> 00:15:15,467 Speaker 3: and see, you know, some of the efforts going in 323 00:15:15,467 --> 00:15:18,147 Speaker 3: the detail that goes into preparing for these games certainly 324 00:15:18,187 --> 00:15:19,947 Speaker 3: a bit different to my day dafter that twenty five 325 00:15:20,027 --> 00:15:22,827 Speaker 3: years ago. There is a lot more involved. 326 00:15:22,427 --> 00:15:22,867 Speaker 4: In it now. 327 00:15:22,947 --> 00:15:25,867 Speaker 3: And you know, we've got really good quality people, all 328 00:15:25,907 --> 00:15:27,947 Speaker 3: working really hard together, so we've got to keep on 329 00:15:27,987 --> 00:15:30,907 Speaker 3: supporting them, back in them and looking forward to the weekend. 330 00:15:31,707 --> 00:15:34,467 Speaker 2: I think the most intriguing thing here about this game 331 00:15:34,507 --> 00:15:37,347 Speaker 2: in Cape Town is the changes that have been made 332 00:15:37,427 --> 00:15:41,227 Speaker 2: right across the board for the all Blacks, more predominantly 333 00:15:41,667 --> 00:15:45,427 Speaker 2: for the South African side. We don't really know what 334 00:15:45,587 --> 00:15:48,667 Speaker 2: either of them are thinking, especially Rassi Erasmus. This just 335 00:15:48,827 --> 00:15:51,987 Speaker 2: continues what as I suppose a wonderful cat and Mouse game. 336 00:15:52,067 --> 00:15:55,427 Speaker 3: Mark, Yeah, I mean, I guess it's a storyline coming out. 337 00:15:55,467 --> 00:15:58,307 Speaker 4: It seems to be dasty. I think. I think Razor and. 338 00:15:58,387 --> 00:16:00,427 Speaker 3: Rassi are just doing, you know, what's right for their team. 339 00:16:00,467 --> 00:16:04,867 Speaker 3: It's it's great that the fans and the media can 340 00:16:04,867 --> 00:16:09,147 Speaker 3: pick up on it and call, you know, storylines like 341 00:16:09,187 --> 00:16:11,747 Speaker 3: Cat and Mouse. But I genuinely believe are looking at 342 00:16:11,787 --> 00:16:14,587 Speaker 3: their their squads are looking at winning, you know, in 343 00:16:14,627 --> 00:16:16,467 Speaker 3: the in the near term, they're looking at developing for 344 00:16:16,507 --> 00:16:19,027 Speaker 3: the future. They've all got plans around what the next 345 00:16:19,427 --> 00:16:21,787 Speaker 3: you know, one, two, three, four years looks like, and 346 00:16:22,947 --> 00:16:24,627 Speaker 3: you know, they put a lot of thought and effort 347 00:16:24,627 --> 00:16:26,787 Speaker 3: into that, and I think that's what we're seeing around 348 00:16:26,827 --> 00:16:30,947 Speaker 3: selections is a reflection of both both camps, you know, 349 00:16:31,027 --> 00:16:32,427 Speaker 3: working working to their own plans. 350 00:16:32,467 --> 00:16:33,587 Speaker 4: Really, but yeah, it does. 351 00:16:33,627 --> 00:16:37,027 Speaker 3: I mean in fixtures like this, there's just so much 352 00:16:37,067 --> 00:16:39,547 Speaker 3: in fregue, you know, and so much scrutiny. There's lots 353 00:16:39,547 --> 00:16:42,067 Speaker 3: of call different storylines and you know, certainly the South 354 00:16:42,107 --> 00:16:46,267 Speaker 3: African media here is is really really engaged and passionate, 355 00:16:46,347 --> 00:16:48,947 Speaker 3: and so you know it's not surprising we're seeing lots 356 00:16:48,987 --> 00:16:50,347 Speaker 3: of different storylines, which is great. 357 00:16:50,627 --> 00:16:53,387 Speaker 2: All right, Matt Robinson, give us a punt. How much 358 00:16:53,427 --> 00:16:56,147 Speaker 2: of the old that's going to win by I'll. 359 00:16:55,947 --> 00:16:56,827 Speaker 4: Take it by any Darcy. 360 00:16:56,907 --> 00:16:58,467 Speaker 3: It's just going to be you know, it's going to 361 00:16:58,507 --> 00:17:03,587 Speaker 3: be a fantastic game and atmosphere, and you know, I 362 00:17:03,947 --> 00:17:05,867 Speaker 3: know that the team put in a huge amount of 363 00:17:05,867 --> 00:17:09,467 Speaker 3: your fit looking forward to supporting them on Saturday. 364 00:17:09,987 --> 00:17:11,707 Speaker 4: I'm pretty sure we'll have a lot more support than 365 00:17:11,707 --> 00:17:13,147 Speaker 4: we had. Ellis park Is rather. 366 00:17:13,067 --> 00:17:14,307 Speaker 3: To be a little bit more black in the crowd. 367 00:17:14,307 --> 00:17:16,347 Speaker 4: Hope you being a little bit more noise. 368 00:17:16,427 --> 00:17:18,587 Speaker 3: For us as well, and I'm hopefully all that can 369 00:17:18,587 --> 00:17:19,587 Speaker 3: contribute to getting us time. 370 00:17:20,787 --> 00:17:23,347 Speaker 2: Yeah, well hopefully it can. Looking forward to it. There's 371 00:17:23,347 --> 00:17:27,867 Speaker 2: an understate for your Mark Robinson, CEO of NZ. As always, 372 00:17:27,907 --> 00:17:30,467 Speaker 2: thank you very much for your time here on News 373 00:17:30,467 --> 00:17:31,067 Speaker 2: Talk SEDB. 374 00:17:31,227 --> 00:17:34,627 Speaker 1: You go well, Thanks Darcy goat chet for more from 375 00:17:34,667 --> 00:17:37,907 Speaker 1: Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live to News Talk 376 00:17:37,987 --> 00:17:42,187 Speaker 1: sed B weekends from midday or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.