1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Fine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:14,907 Speaker 1: from News Talks EDB. Jordan has to take the tackle. 3 00:00:14,907 --> 00:00:17,587 Speaker 1: He's hold up with the tackle's quit the it need 4 00:00:17,667 --> 00:00:20,867 Speaker 1: to get the nis to ground well Fries swallow them up, 5 00:00:21,387 --> 00:00:24,747 Speaker 1: set up the it. Ya goes out for France. 6 00:00:26,107 --> 00:00:32,147 Speaker 2: Beyond go down to fast Senus fort time in France. 7 00:00:32,267 --> 00:00:36,587 Speaker 3: Do it again over the All Blacks by one point 8 00:00:37,347 --> 00:00:40,827 Speaker 3: thirty twenty nine. Man, it was a week ago. For 9 00:00:40,907 --> 00:00:43,187 Speaker 3: the last time in twenty twenty four, It's time to 10 00:00:43,187 --> 00:00:45,987 Speaker 3: catch up with New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson, who 11 00:00:46,067 --> 00:00:50,067 Speaker 3: joins us out of Italy ahead of tomorrow morning's season 12 00:00:50,307 --> 00:00:53,267 Speaker 3: ending test. Mark, thanks for joining us. As always, let's 13 00:00:53,307 --> 00:00:56,587 Speaker 3: start with the All Blacks. I went over Italy tomorrow morning, 14 00:00:56,627 --> 00:00:59,067 Speaker 3: which I think we all expect will happen, would give 15 00:00:59,067 --> 00:01:02,427 Speaker 3: the All Blacks a ten win four loss record for 16 00:01:02,467 --> 00:01:05,067 Speaker 3: twenty twenty four. How would you rate the All Blacks 17 00:01:05,107 --> 00:01:07,467 Speaker 3: first year unders got robertson. 18 00:01:07,827 --> 00:01:09,867 Speaker 2: Oh, thanks Piney. Great to be on and hide all 19 00:01:09,867 --> 00:01:14,747 Speaker 2: the listeners out there. Look, we are overall, you know, 20 00:01:14,827 --> 00:01:17,947 Speaker 2: really positive with the general direction of the team. 21 00:01:18,307 --> 00:01:19,147 Speaker 4: I would say up. 22 00:01:19,067 --> 00:01:21,507 Speaker 2: Front, you know, we we know Italy will be a 23 00:01:21,547 --> 00:01:24,427 Speaker 2: tough test match. They've obviously just sort of warming into 24 00:01:24,427 --> 00:01:26,387 Speaker 2: their work and the November series we saw them be 25 00:01:26,467 --> 00:01:29,027 Speaker 2: very competitive in the sixth Nations, so we know that 26 00:01:29,067 --> 00:01:32,947 Speaker 2: it'll be a tough game. But yeah, you know, flipping 27 00:01:32,987 --> 00:01:36,067 Speaker 2: back to reflecting on the whole year, if we if 28 00:01:36,067 --> 00:01:38,027 Speaker 2: we think about the fact we've had a you know, 29 00:01:38,187 --> 00:01:40,787 Speaker 2: significant amount of new players into the group, a totally 30 00:01:40,867 --> 00:01:45,587 Speaker 2: new coaching and management team, an incredibly tough schedule. I 31 00:01:45,587 --> 00:01:48,227 Speaker 2: think it's all been acknowledged by many. You know, this 32 00:01:48,267 --> 00:01:50,747 Speaker 2: is one of the toughest schedules we've seen and longest 33 00:01:50,787 --> 00:01:55,107 Speaker 2: for some time that generally we're really really positive about, 34 00:01:55,227 --> 00:01:58,187 Speaker 2: you know, where we're heading. It's always frustrating and disappointing 35 00:01:58,227 --> 00:02:01,507 Speaker 2: Piney to drop a test, you know, for any of 36 00:02:01,507 --> 00:02:04,947 Speaker 2: our teams in black, So we recognize that, you know 37 00:02:05,027 --> 00:02:06,027 Speaker 2: that that's disappointing. 38 00:02:06,027 --> 00:02:07,667 Speaker 4: The team of expressed that too. 39 00:02:08,147 --> 00:02:09,787 Speaker 2: But I think when you think of the unearthing of 40 00:02:09,827 --> 00:02:12,987 Speaker 2: the new talent, the you know, the cohesiveness building and 41 00:02:13,027 --> 00:02:15,947 Speaker 2: the group, the familiarity they're developing in the shape of 42 00:02:15,987 --> 00:02:18,227 Speaker 2: the game they're developing, I think most people would point 43 00:02:18,227 --> 00:02:21,027 Speaker 2: to that being really positive. 44 00:02:20,627 --> 00:02:24,267 Speaker 3: Overall, apart from wins and losses, what are the other 45 00:02:24,347 --> 00:02:27,427 Speaker 3: metrics or measures that you use when you sit down 46 00:02:27,467 --> 00:02:28,667 Speaker 3: to review the All Black season. 47 00:02:29,827 --> 00:02:34,507 Speaker 2: Well, really it's about the It's about the trajectory of 48 00:02:34,587 --> 00:02:36,507 Speaker 2: the performance environment, I think. 49 00:02:38,267 --> 00:02:38,587 Speaker 4: Piney. 50 00:02:38,667 --> 00:02:41,947 Speaker 2: So we certainly get a lot of feedback, certainly the players, 51 00:02:42,187 --> 00:02:45,907 Speaker 2: the wider management, the coaching team will all report back 52 00:02:45,987 --> 00:02:48,787 Speaker 2: through a process we traditionally run. We collate all of 53 00:02:48,827 --> 00:02:55,667 Speaker 2: that information and then have a really productive session, largely 54 00:02:55,707 --> 00:02:59,027 Speaker 2: with the coaching group and manage a portion of the 55 00:02:59,027 --> 00:03:02,707 Speaker 2: management group earlier next year, and that will be reflected 56 00:03:02,747 --> 00:03:05,627 Speaker 2: through the board at that time. And that covers, you know, 57 00:03:05,667 --> 00:03:09,707 Speaker 2: a really wide range of things about you know, on 58 00:03:09,907 --> 00:03:12,947 Speaker 2: field and off field issues, technical technical work. 59 00:03:14,547 --> 00:03:16,507 Speaker 4: It might look at the week, it might look at 60 00:03:16,507 --> 00:03:17,467 Speaker 4: logistics and travel. 61 00:03:17,547 --> 00:03:19,747 Speaker 2: You know, it was really comprehensive in terms of our 62 00:03:19,987 --> 00:03:23,947 Speaker 2: entire environment as it relates to you know, what you've 63 00:03:23,987 --> 00:03:26,787 Speaker 2: referenced in the with the losses there, you know, I'd 64 00:03:26,827 --> 00:03:29,107 Speaker 2: be looking at key trends we're seeing in the game 65 00:03:29,187 --> 00:03:31,707 Speaker 2: and in our team in terms of you know, things 66 00:03:31,747 --> 00:03:35,667 Speaker 2: like how we're responding to pressure or certain situations. So 67 00:03:35,667 --> 00:03:39,307 Speaker 2: it'll uncover and and go through a range of different 68 00:03:39,307 --> 00:03:43,827 Speaker 2: things with with that survey data, you know, really top 69 00:03:43,867 --> 00:03:46,587 Speaker 2: of mind and available to everyone to look at, so 70 00:03:47,307 --> 00:03:49,747 Speaker 2: you know, they're always and that happens in all our environments, 71 00:03:49,747 --> 00:03:53,987 Speaker 2: be at SEVENS teams, all the Black Ferns. 72 00:03:53,827 --> 00:03:55,267 Speaker 4: It's it's a very similar process. 73 00:03:55,427 --> 00:03:57,467 Speaker 3: We're just on the Black Ferns. They've got a World 74 00:03:57,507 --> 00:03:59,707 Speaker 3: Cup to defend next year. Of course, how do you 75 00:03:59,707 --> 00:04:00,707 Speaker 3: think their place to do that? 76 00:04:02,227 --> 00:04:03,827 Speaker 2: Well, I think when you look at w x V 77 00:04:04,027 --> 00:04:07,267 Speaker 2: and the game just before that in twicker we saw 78 00:04:07,267 --> 00:04:09,387 Speaker 2: a really mixed bag, didn't we. You know, we saw 79 00:04:09,427 --> 00:04:11,147 Speaker 2: I thought some really good improvements. I was at the 80 00:04:11,187 --> 00:04:14,187 Speaker 2: game and Twickenham, and for long periods of that game 81 00:04:14,267 --> 00:04:18,347 Speaker 2: we played very well, especially the opening quarter you know, 82 00:04:18,587 --> 00:04:20,707 Speaker 2: twenty to thirty minutes, and then the closing. 83 00:04:20,427 --> 00:04:21,947 Speaker 4: Sort of quarter as well. 84 00:04:23,467 --> 00:04:25,747 Speaker 2: Clearly, you know, we were disappointed with the upcome against 85 00:04:25,827 --> 00:04:29,227 Speaker 2: Ireland and that sort of just showed, you know, it's 86 00:04:29,227 --> 00:04:31,227 Speaker 2: probably still a little bit of inconsistency in the group, 87 00:04:31,267 --> 00:04:33,107 Speaker 2: and I know Ellen and some of the senior players 88 00:04:33,147 --> 00:04:36,107 Speaker 2: pointed to the frustration around that as well. But then 89 00:04:36,107 --> 00:04:38,427 Speaker 2: again we saw a really strong finness against France, who 90 00:04:39,187 --> 00:04:41,707 Speaker 2: are certainly you know, traditionally a top two or three 91 00:04:41,747 --> 00:04:45,427 Speaker 2: team themselves. So look, with sort of eight or nine 92 00:04:45,427 --> 00:04:48,347 Speaker 2: months ago now or a little bit more full season 93 00:04:48,387 --> 00:04:51,307 Speaker 2: of opicking in front of us, a really good review 94 00:04:51,387 --> 00:04:55,147 Speaker 2: to go through, still a lot of time left, you know, 95 00:04:55,347 --> 00:04:59,387 Speaker 2: to to work with the team. We've still remained positive 96 00:05:00,347 --> 00:05:01,707 Speaker 2: and we've got a bit of work to do in 97 00:05:01,827 --> 00:05:06,187 Speaker 2: terms of how some of the fifteens and sevens overlapped 98 00:05:06,187 --> 00:05:08,067 Speaker 2: my work and what we look to draw on that 99 00:05:08,187 --> 00:05:10,187 Speaker 2: environment as well. And that's sitting with Al and his 100 00:05:10,307 --> 00:05:14,467 Speaker 2: team at the moment, but we'll be supporting any consideration 101 00:05:14,587 --> 00:05:16,307 Speaker 2: in that space that we have over the next little while. 102 00:05:16,787 --> 00:05:18,427 Speaker 2: So you know, we know this work to do, but 103 00:05:18,867 --> 00:05:21,227 Speaker 2: we think we can certainly create a lot of improvement 104 00:05:21,267 --> 00:05:22,987 Speaker 2: and a short amount of time within this group, as 105 00:05:23,027 --> 00:05:25,667 Speaker 2: we've seen happen over the last few years. 106 00:05:26,027 --> 00:05:28,827 Speaker 3: Just before we move on from our elite teams. When 107 00:05:28,867 --> 00:05:31,107 Speaker 3: we spoke last time, you were seeking some clarity from 108 00:05:31,107 --> 00:05:33,347 Speaker 3: the French rugby Union about the strength of the side 109 00:05:33,347 --> 00:05:35,307 Speaker 3: that they might send down here next year. There's talk 110 00:05:35,627 --> 00:05:38,547 Speaker 3: of a second string and even third string team coming 111 00:05:38,587 --> 00:05:40,347 Speaker 3: down for those test matches next year. Have you got 112 00:05:40,387 --> 00:05:41,147 Speaker 3: any clarity on that? 113 00:05:42,787 --> 00:05:45,427 Speaker 2: Look I've seen a bit of the French recently. They 114 00:05:45,467 --> 00:05:49,347 Speaker 2: were in Dublin obviously around the world rugby elections, and 115 00:05:49,427 --> 00:05:50,827 Speaker 2: then I had a half a day with them on 116 00:05:50,947 --> 00:05:55,467 Speaker 2: Friday before the Test match. Look, you know, things haven't 117 00:05:55,667 --> 00:05:57,707 Speaker 2: changed significantly from where they've been at. 118 00:05:57,747 --> 00:05:58,307 Speaker 4: It will really. 119 00:05:58,187 --> 00:06:02,627 Speaker 2: Depend on how their club season finishes as to the 120 00:06:02,787 --> 00:06:07,107 Speaker 2: team that they send, so you know, it'll be largely 121 00:06:07,147 --> 00:06:11,267 Speaker 2: contingent on the finals of the top fourteen before we 122 00:06:11,387 --> 00:06:15,147 Speaker 2: know much more there. You know, they're certainly reassuring us 123 00:06:15,227 --> 00:06:18,787 Speaker 2: that outside of that consideration, will be absolutely the best 124 00:06:18,827 --> 00:06:20,587 Speaker 2: team they can send. And when you look at the 125 00:06:20,667 --> 00:06:24,267 Speaker 2: depth they have through under twenties in the last few years, 126 00:06:24,627 --> 00:06:27,387 Speaker 2: and you know, even on the weekend they like us, 127 00:06:27,427 --> 00:06:31,507 Speaker 2: they were without some first choice players and still got 128 00:06:31,547 --> 00:06:35,947 Speaker 2: extraordinary depth. So we're expecting a strong team and we'll 129 00:06:36,027 --> 00:06:38,267 Speaker 2: just keep communicating with them. I think it'll be helpful 130 00:06:38,387 --> 00:06:41,587 Speaker 2: Piney if they, you know, just remain talking to us 131 00:06:41,707 --> 00:06:46,707 Speaker 2: rather than necessarily talk more widely across public forums about 132 00:06:46,787 --> 00:06:49,747 Speaker 2: things when it's not quite established what's happening. So we're 133 00:06:49,747 --> 00:06:52,867 Speaker 2: working on from that relationships. Even though we have some 134 00:06:52,987 --> 00:06:55,987 Speaker 2: differences in our approach, there's some really good common sort 135 00:06:56,027 --> 00:06:57,827 Speaker 2: of alignment that I found. 136 00:06:57,867 --> 00:07:00,707 Speaker 4: We had, you know, on Friday when we sat down, all. 137 00:07:00,667 --> 00:07:03,267 Speaker 3: Right, let's hope for some positive news when the new 138 00:07:03,427 --> 00:07:05,947 Speaker 3: year rolls around. Are the rugby issues around? We had 139 00:07:06,027 --> 00:07:09,507 Speaker 3: New World Rugby chair Brett Robinson, doctor Brett Robinson on 140 00:07:09,587 --> 00:07:11,227 Speaker 3: the show last weekend. He was the man of course 141 00:07:11,267 --> 00:07:14,667 Speaker 3: that New Zealand Rugby backed for the position. What will 142 00:07:14,707 --> 00:07:16,587 Speaker 3: he bring to the leadership of World Rugby. 143 00:07:18,227 --> 00:07:20,507 Speaker 2: Well, I think, you know, we obviously spoke about this 144 00:07:20,947 --> 00:07:25,747 Speaker 2: and the lead up to the election. We think he's 145 00:07:25,747 --> 00:07:28,747 Speaker 2: a really positive mix of you know, a fresh approach 146 00:07:29,307 --> 00:07:35,507 Speaker 2: with a relatively modern outlook, which has relevance in the 147 00:07:35,587 --> 00:07:38,907 Speaker 2: fact that he has you know, a medical background as 148 00:07:38,947 --> 00:07:41,587 Speaker 2: it relates to player wealth here as teenage sons that 149 00:07:41,667 --> 00:07:45,547 Speaker 2: play the game, so he understands the challenges there for participation. 150 00:07:45,707 --> 00:07:49,627 Speaker 2: And he's sort of also close to an Australian market 151 00:07:49,667 --> 00:07:50,787 Speaker 2: with an incredible amount of. 152 00:07:52,427 --> 00:07:54,427 Speaker 4: Pressure that comes from rival codes in that space. 153 00:07:54,507 --> 00:07:58,507 Speaker 2: So need knows the you knows, the need for the 154 00:07:58,587 --> 00:08:00,867 Speaker 2: sport to evolve and be looking to change as it 155 00:08:00,907 --> 00:08:03,747 Speaker 2: relates to a range of different things for our competitions 156 00:08:03,787 --> 00:08:08,467 Speaker 2: and our fans and the overall sort of evolution of 157 00:08:08,547 --> 00:08:10,907 Speaker 2: the game into emerging markets as well, such as North 158 00:08:10,907 --> 00:08:13,187 Speaker 2: America and Japan. So he's very aligned with a lot 159 00:08:13,227 --> 00:08:14,747 Speaker 2: of the things that we're seeing in terms of the 160 00:08:14,827 --> 00:08:18,227 Speaker 2: need for change in the sport, but yet still brings 161 00:08:18,267 --> 00:08:20,827 Speaker 2: some good continuity from his previous time on the Border 162 00:08:20,867 --> 00:08:24,347 Speaker 2: World Rugby and his overall understanding of the game from 163 00:08:24,387 --> 00:08:26,747 Speaker 2: being involved at all levels, from playing at an international 164 00:08:26,827 --> 00:08:30,667 Speaker 2: level through to having involvement at community level and having 165 00:08:30,747 --> 00:08:32,187 Speaker 2: kids in the game. As I say so, we think 166 00:08:32,227 --> 00:08:35,627 Speaker 2: he's a great blend of experiences and insights that can 167 00:08:35,667 --> 00:08:36,587 Speaker 2: bring a lot to the role. 168 00:08:36,747 --> 00:08:40,147 Speaker 4: And frankly, he's also a top quality leader. 169 00:08:40,227 --> 00:08:42,987 Speaker 2: You know, he's had really good experience and governance and 170 00:08:43,187 --> 00:08:46,267 Speaker 2: senior executive leadership with large and complex organizations. 171 00:08:46,307 --> 00:08:48,787 Speaker 4: So all told, we think that's a great package to 172 00:08:48,787 --> 00:08:49,467 Speaker 4: bring into the role. 173 00:08:50,027 --> 00:08:52,387 Speaker 3: When we've spoken on the show across their mark, you've 174 00:08:52,427 --> 00:08:54,827 Speaker 3: talked often about the things which are important to New 175 00:08:54,907 --> 00:08:59,187 Speaker 3: Zealand rugby, like the flow of the game, less TMO interference, 176 00:08:59,227 --> 00:09:01,827 Speaker 3: the twenty minute red card and getting that through enhancing 177 00:09:01,947 --> 00:09:05,107 Speaker 3: the entertainment spectagil of rugby. Things like that. How much 178 00:09:05,187 --> 00:09:09,067 Speaker 3: does having a southern hemisphere chair help in the progress 179 00:09:09,147 --> 00:09:12,387 Speaker 3: that you're hoping to make around those things compared to 180 00:09:12,827 --> 00:09:14,547 Speaker 3: you know, if there was a Northern Hemisphere chair. 181 00:09:15,467 --> 00:09:16,867 Speaker 2: Oh look, I think it'd be fair to say the 182 00:09:16,947 --> 00:09:20,067 Speaker 2: start point as it relates to alignment on those issues 183 00:09:20,147 --> 00:09:25,347 Speaker 2: is far stronger. But to bring about any material change 184 00:09:25,547 --> 00:09:30,267 Speaker 2: across the game requires you a high degree of consensus 185 00:09:30,347 --> 00:09:34,307 Speaker 2: right across the world Rugby Council and especially the key 186 00:09:35,027 --> 00:09:38,067 Speaker 2: leading unions who are participating in these in these competitions. 187 00:09:38,187 --> 00:09:41,747 Speaker 2: So so yes, yes it's a positive. But I think 188 00:09:41,787 --> 00:09:44,027 Speaker 2: the key role for Bread and all of us actually 189 00:09:44,107 --> 00:09:45,787 Speaker 2: after the election is to be able to bring the 190 00:09:45,827 --> 00:09:50,587 Speaker 2: game together quite quickly, create the forums with high degrees 191 00:09:50,627 --> 00:09:53,987 Speaker 2: of representation across you know a range of different stakeholders 192 00:09:54,027 --> 00:09:57,307 Speaker 2: in the game and arrange of different participating unions, and 193 00:09:57,627 --> 00:09:59,627 Speaker 2: really spend the time getting aligned on what we want 194 00:09:59,667 --> 00:10:03,987 Speaker 2: the game to look like, and aligned on on how 195 00:10:04,067 --> 00:10:06,147 Speaker 2: we work, the culture of how we work together, how 196 00:10:06,187 --> 00:10:10,347 Speaker 2: we communicate the right forums are for seeking change. That's 197 00:10:10,387 --> 00:10:13,347 Speaker 2: going to be I think the real challenge and opportunity 198 00:10:13,387 --> 00:10:15,107 Speaker 2: for Brett as he leads off over the first six 199 00:10:15,187 --> 00:10:18,427 Speaker 2: to nine months, and certainly I think most countries are 200 00:10:18,427 --> 00:10:21,787 Speaker 2: wanting to be really supportive of that. Any leadership change 201 00:10:21,907 --> 00:10:23,347 Speaker 2: like that as it relates to the chair of an 202 00:10:23,587 --> 00:10:26,627 Speaker 2: organization provides an opportunity to do that, and I think, 203 00:10:27,147 --> 00:10:30,547 Speaker 2: you know, everyone has a really high vested interest to 204 00:10:30,587 --> 00:10:33,187 Speaker 2: make sure that happens, because there's so much upside opportunity 205 00:10:33,227 --> 00:10:34,547 Speaker 2: for the game if we can do that. 206 00:10:35,067 --> 00:10:38,027 Speaker 3: Do you feel as though you're making good progress on 207 00:10:38,467 --> 00:10:41,787 Speaker 3: some of the things that I just referenced, I do? 208 00:10:41,947 --> 00:10:42,107 Speaker 4: You know? 209 00:10:42,187 --> 00:10:45,587 Speaker 2: There's always there's always elements of frustration, aren't they. 210 00:10:45,587 --> 00:10:49,507 Speaker 4: I mean, you know, we saw the game on the weekend. 211 00:10:49,507 --> 00:10:51,467 Speaker 2: We've seen other games through the year for us where 212 00:10:52,387 --> 00:10:56,707 Speaker 2: things like TMO and Intervention, where we certainly have frustrations 213 00:10:58,507 --> 00:11:02,267 Speaker 2: and we are respectful of the appropriate avenues to explore 214 00:11:02,547 --> 00:11:07,467 Speaker 2: trying to understand and resolve those matters. We we do 215 00:11:07,587 --> 00:11:09,907 Speaker 2: get frustrated that in some regards we seem to not 216 00:11:10,067 --> 00:11:13,267 Speaker 2: be always making the progress that we'd like. I think 217 00:11:13,307 --> 00:11:15,267 Speaker 2: if you think of the game generally, the fact that 218 00:11:15,347 --> 00:11:18,147 Speaker 2: we've got global trials now of twenty minute red Card 219 00:11:18,227 --> 00:11:20,987 Speaker 2: and I think a real positive intention that that'll be 220 00:11:21,667 --> 00:11:26,627 Speaker 2: finalized as coming into full law sometime next year. That's 221 00:11:26,667 --> 00:11:30,347 Speaker 2: definitely positive. Mass duration times have come down. I think 222 00:11:30,347 --> 00:11:33,267 Speaker 2: if you look at you know, club and even international level, 223 00:11:33,547 --> 00:11:37,347 Speaker 2: we're seeing that, so that signals is overall less intervention, 224 00:11:37,507 --> 00:11:40,067 Speaker 2: even though we see occasional games that we're close to 225 00:11:40,187 --> 00:11:43,347 Speaker 2: that have have have those things happen, which is frustrating. 226 00:11:43,387 --> 00:11:46,547 Speaker 2: I think overall the trend is really positive, Piney, And 227 00:11:46,587 --> 00:11:49,187 Speaker 2: if you look at our domestic rugby this year, you know, 228 00:11:49,227 --> 00:11:53,547 Speaker 2: I think, you know, the NPC and Super Rugby both 229 00:11:53,627 --> 00:11:56,867 Speaker 2: show you know, the benefits of those changes. I think 230 00:11:57,027 --> 00:12:00,707 Speaker 2: universally the quality of rugby we've seen in those competitions 231 00:12:00,747 --> 00:12:03,627 Speaker 2: has been recognized as fantastic and a real you know, 232 00:12:04,027 --> 00:12:07,067 Speaker 2: taking a real world leading approach and providing a real 233 00:12:07,107 --> 00:12:09,307 Speaker 2: example around the world to what the game could look like. 234 00:12:09,627 --> 00:12:12,067 Speaker 2: You know, if we're able to get more consistency about 235 00:12:12,147 --> 00:12:12,867 Speaker 2: managing the issues. 236 00:12:12,867 --> 00:12:15,267 Speaker 3: You've asked me about a couple of other issues. I 237 00:12:15,267 --> 00:12:18,307 Speaker 3: wanted to get your view on reports of surfaced over 238 00:12:18,347 --> 00:12:22,147 Speaker 3: the last week or so of a breakaway global rugby 239 00:12:22,267 --> 00:12:26,947 Speaker 3: franchise competition, big money reportedly set to be offered to 240 00:12:26,987 --> 00:12:29,467 Speaker 3: the world's top players. Are concerned? Are you about this? 241 00:12:30,547 --> 00:12:30,827 Speaker 4: A look? 242 00:12:31,027 --> 00:12:32,347 Speaker 2: To be honest, a point, there's not a lot of 243 00:12:32,387 --> 00:12:35,267 Speaker 2: information about at the moment, there's a lot of speculation, 244 00:12:35,987 --> 00:12:37,907 Speaker 2: as we've seen a few times in you and I 245 00:12:37,987 --> 00:12:39,827 Speaker 2: have talked about different topics this year where there's been 246 00:12:39,907 --> 00:12:42,827 Speaker 2: lots of speculation but not necessarily a lot of substance. 247 00:12:42,907 --> 00:12:44,507 Speaker 2: So we've just got more work to do to try 248 00:12:44,547 --> 00:12:47,787 Speaker 2: and understand what might be happening. It's good to be 249 00:12:47,907 --> 00:12:50,587 Speaker 2: up here at the moment. These these things tend to 250 00:12:50,667 --> 00:12:52,587 Speaker 2: happen when the Games come together with a lot of 251 00:12:52,627 --> 00:12:56,827 Speaker 2: teams being in the European continent, so you know, we'll 252 00:12:56,867 --> 00:13:00,227 Speaker 2: continue to see, you know, what might be happened, but 253 00:13:00,267 --> 00:13:01,827 Speaker 2: at the moment, there's not a lot of there's not 254 00:13:01,867 --> 00:13:04,467 Speaker 2: a lot of detail around it as we speak. 255 00:13:04,547 --> 00:13:07,707 Speaker 3: All right, Well again, keep keep tabs on that news 256 00:13:07,787 --> 00:13:10,787 Speaker 3: this week of a tour by the New Zealand under 257 00:13:10,867 --> 00:13:14,747 Speaker 3: eighty five kilogram side off to Sri Lanka next year. 258 00:13:14,787 --> 00:13:15,907 Speaker 3: Can you tell us a bit more about THO. 259 00:13:16,867 --> 00:13:19,107 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, we're super excited about this. I think 260 00:13:19,147 --> 00:13:24,427 Speaker 2: we've been really positive about the development of our under 261 00:13:24,467 --> 00:13:27,787 Speaker 2: eighty five club competition that we've run for the last 262 00:13:27,827 --> 00:13:29,987 Speaker 2: three or four years now, I think, and every year 263 00:13:30,027 --> 00:13:33,827 Speaker 2: we've seen increased participation in that always culminates in a 264 00:13:33,907 --> 00:13:35,667 Speaker 2: Great Final, which is a curtain raiser to an All 265 00:13:35,707 --> 00:13:38,187 Speaker 2: Blacks Test match, which is a fantastic opportunity for the 266 00:13:38,827 --> 00:13:41,907 Speaker 2: for not only those players but in families, but the 267 00:13:42,347 --> 00:13:45,947 Speaker 2: community game overall. And the next evolution is that we've 268 00:13:45,987 --> 00:13:51,067 Speaker 2: been sort of approached by people in New Zealand to 269 00:13:51,067 --> 00:13:54,507 Speaker 2: help support it, and then yeah, the Sri Lankan government 270 00:13:54,627 --> 00:13:57,387 Speaker 2: and Rugby Union have become really interested in this as 271 00:13:57,427 --> 00:14:01,867 Speaker 2: a as an opportunity to take take that level of 272 00:14:01,867 --> 00:14:04,387 Speaker 2: the game to the next level with an international component. 273 00:14:04,507 --> 00:14:07,747 Speaker 2: So look, it's a few credit to people like Steve 274 00:14:07,867 --> 00:14:11,067 Speaker 2: Lancaster and Might hessor within our organization that have done 275 00:14:11,067 --> 00:14:12,867 Speaker 2: a huge amount of work on that stand, the provinces 276 00:14:12,947 --> 00:14:15,987 Speaker 2: that have gotten behind it to support the clubs becoming involved, 277 00:14:16,027 --> 00:14:19,227 Speaker 2: and yeah, we'd like to think it's got you know, real, 278 00:14:19,747 --> 00:14:23,187 Speaker 2: real legs for the future about having more international teams participating. 279 00:14:24,067 --> 00:14:25,667 Speaker 2: We don't want it to become a massive, you know, 280 00:14:25,827 --> 00:14:29,347 Speaker 2: high performance area piney, but if it's if it's something 281 00:14:29,427 --> 00:14:32,547 Speaker 2: that engages with players across a range of different countries 282 00:14:32,667 --> 00:14:35,987 Speaker 2: and it feels like the Asia Pacific region, you know, 283 00:14:37,547 --> 00:14:42,307 Speaker 2: Southeast Asia, Japan, Thailand, there's a whole lot of in 284 00:14:42,387 --> 00:14:44,427 Speaker 2: Sri Lanka, obviously a whole lot of countries where rugby 285 00:14:44,507 --> 00:14:46,227 Speaker 2: has more of a footing than we give them credit for. 286 00:14:46,307 --> 00:14:47,667 Speaker 4: And if this is an avenue by. 287 00:14:47,547 --> 00:14:51,507 Speaker 2: Which we can inspire people to get more involved and 288 00:14:51,827 --> 00:14:53,867 Speaker 2: compete with the likes of New Zealand and Australia and 289 00:14:53,907 --> 00:14:56,907 Speaker 2: other more established unions that might want to become involved 290 00:14:56,947 --> 00:14:58,267 Speaker 2: in this, we think it could be a really cool 291 00:14:58,307 --> 00:14:59,747 Speaker 2: initiative for the future, all. 292 00:14:59,667 --> 00:15:03,027 Speaker 3: Right, And just to bring it back to our grassroots, 293 00:15:03,107 --> 00:15:07,827 Speaker 3: I guess the rugby fan to finish somecouraging numbers released 294 00:15:07,827 --> 00:15:11,667 Speaker 3: in the last few weeks around community rugby participation, also 295 00:15:11,787 --> 00:15:15,347 Speaker 3: attendance and viewership for Super Rugby and NPC. As we 296 00:15:15,507 --> 00:15:19,467 Speaker 3: move into a new year, are you optimistic about rugby's 297 00:15:19,507 --> 00:15:22,507 Speaker 3: ongoing place at the top of our sporting landscape? 298 00:15:23,427 --> 00:15:23,547 Speaker 4: Oh? 299 00:15:23,627 --> 00:15:26,027 Speaker 2: Absolutely, Piney, You know, I know it's been a challenging 300 00:15:26,107 --> 00:15:29,867 Speaker 2: few years at times, but when you think of the 301 00:15:30,147 --> 00:15:33,507 Speaker 2: journey we've worked through and the fact that now we're 302 00:15:33,547 --> 00:15:35,747 Speaker 2: seeing sort of culmination of a lot of hard work 303 00:15:35,787 --> 00:15:39,347 Speaker 2: that's gone on at at all levels of the game. 304 00:15:39,467 --> 00:15:41,587 Speaker 2: You know, if you look at the where you know 305 00:15:41,707 --> 00:15:44,187 Speaker 2: the woman's game is placed now both at a community 306 00:15:44,467 --> 00:15:44,707 Speaker 2: and a. 307 00:15:44,907 --> 00:15:46,547 Speaker 4: Semi professional professional area. 308 00:15:48,227 --> 00:15:50,587 Speaker 2: You know, it's an amazing trajectory that's on if you 309 00:15:50,627 --> 00:15:53,467 Speaker 2: look at the community game to see year on year 310 00:15:53,547 --> 00:15:56,787 Speaker 2: and increase of participation of teenage boys, as you know, 311 00:15:56,867 --> 00:15:59,147 Speaker 2: we've not seen that in many, many many years. So 312 00:16:00,107 --> 00:16:03,147 Speaker 2: and overall numbers back in that space back to about 313 00:16:03,387 --> 00:16:07,787 Speaker 2: almost pre COVID, given how many players lost during that time, 314 00:16:08,587 --> 00:16:13,107 Speaker 2: that's a fantastic result. The viewership and engagement at NPC 315 00:16:13,267 --> 00:16:16,987 Speaker 2: and Super evers is never, you know, never been high. 316 00:16:17,067 --> 00:16:20,187 Speaker 2: Certainly in recent times around NPC, there's some fantastic performances 317 00:16:20,347 --> 00:16:22,547 Speaker 2: in terms of the quality of the competition and the 318 00:16:22,667 --> 00:16:26,667 Speaker 2: uncertainy of it coming through. And and look, we we're 319 00:16:26,747 --> 00:16:29,027 Speaker 2: really encouraged with where our teams in Black are heading. 320 00:16:29,067 --> 00:16:30,387 Speaker 2: You know, we know what more work to do in 321 00:16:30,467 --> 00:16:32,507 Speaker 2: the with the Black Ferns leading into a Pinnacle event 322 00:16:32,587 --> 00:16:36,587 Speaker 2: next year. We've talked about the All Blacks. Our sevens 323 00:16:36,627 --> 00:16:39,507 Speaker 2: teams continue to really perform well consistently on the on 324 00:16:39,587 --> 00:16:43,067 Speaker 2: the global stage with World seven. So you know, across 325 00:16:43,107 --> 00:16:46,147 Speaker 2: the ball we're a board. Sorry, we're really really heartened 326 00:16:46,187 --> 00:16:50,987 Speaker 2: with where where we're tracking with the game, and we 327 00:16:51,067 --> 00:16:54,107 Speaker 2: see it, I guess as sort of something that validates 328 00:16:54,187 --> 00:16:57,227 Speaker 2: us being continue to be bold in a range of areas. 329 00:16:57,267 --> 00:16:59,347 Speaker 2: You know, we will continue to lead the conversation on 330 00:16:59,427 --> 00:17:02,147 Speaker 2: the global stage around the shape of the game. We 331 00:17:02,227 --> 00:17:07,267 Speaker 2: will continue to innovate at the community level around new law, safety, 332 00:17:07,947 --> 00:17:12,747 Speaker 2: new formats for community participants. You know, we will continue 333 00:17:12,787 --> 00:17:15,467 Speaker 2: to look to be innovative around the way we engage 334 00:17:15,507 --> 00:17:18,067 Speaker 2: with people that are coaching the game in our part 335 00:17:18,107 --> 00:17:20,867 Speaker 2: of the world, with the learning platforms we're developing there 336 00:17:20,907 --> 00:17:23,667 Speaker 2: and all the safety platforms that we've developed where we're 337 00:17:23,747 --> 00:17:26,627 Speaker 2: acknowledged as being world leading as well. So yeah, look, 338 00:17:26,667 --> 00:17:29,267 Speaker 2: we remain really positive. We know there's always more work 339 00:17:29,347 --> 00:17:30,947 Speaker 2: to do Piney, and we're reminded of that on a 340 00:17:31,067 --> 00:17:34,147 Speaker 2: daily basis. That's the beauty of working in my role 341 00:17:34,267 --> 00:17:36,347 Speaker 2: that it's a huge amount of passion and care for 342 00:17:36,427 --> 00:17:39,867 Speaker 2: the game. But I hope at the moment there's also 343 00:17:39,947 --> 00:17:42,267 Speaker 2: some recognition there's a lot of things that are really 344 00:17:42,307 --> 00:17:46,227 Speaker 2: positive in the game and tracking on an upward curve 345 00:17:46,267 --> 00:17:48,827 Speaker 2: at the moment, and we're looking forward to having a 346 00:17:48,907 --> 00:17:51,267 Speaker 2: break when the summertime allows, and then getting stuck back 347 00:17:51,307 --> 00:17:52,347 Speaker 2: into it in the new year. 348 00:17:52,547 --> 00:17:56,427 Speaker 3: All right, Well, I know you've got places to be 349 00:17:56,707 --> 00:17:58,387 Speaker 3: in the next little while. This will probably be the 350 00:17:58,427 --> 00:18:01,107 Speaker 3: last time we get the opportunity to chat on Weekend 351 00:18:01,147 --> 00:18:03,387 Speaker 3: Sport across the year, Mark, so I appreciate your time 352 00:18:03,627 --> 00:18:06,027 Speaker 3: and your accessibility on at least half at us in 353 00:18:06,067 --> 00:18:08,347 Speaker 3: the Cave for our audience this year. I hope you 354 00:18:08,427 --> 00:18:10,067 Speaker 3: get a decent summer break and we'll look forward to 355 00:18:10,187 --> 00:18:14,227 Speaker 3: reconnecting in twenty twenty five. For the meantime, though, stay warm. 356 00:18:14,227 --> 00:18:16,507 Speaker 3: I know you're in Churdrin for this Test match tomorrow 357 00:18:16,547 --> 00:18:19,427 Speaker 3: morning where it's apparently going to be about zero degrees 358 00:18:19,467 --> 00:18:21,467 Speaker 3: at kickoffs. Or wrap up and enjoy the rugby. Thanks 359 00:18:21,507 --> 00:18:22,147 Speaker 3: again for your time. 360 00:18:22,547 --> 00:18:23,267 Speaker 4: Yeah, thanks Pine. 361 00:18:23,307 --> 00:18:24,947 Speaker 2: You're right, it's a blue sky out here at the moment, 362 00:18:24,987 --> 00:18:27,747 Speaker 2: but it's getting pretty cold and evenings especially, But thanks 363 00:18:27,827 --> 00:18:29,627 Speaker 2: for all your opportunities to engage. 364 00:18:29,707 --> 00:18:30,907 Speaker 4: And it's always great. 365 00:18:30,747 --> 00:18:34,507 Speaker 2: To be talking directly through the fans and the supporters 366 00:18:34,547 --> 00:18:36,107 Speaker 2: through yourself too, So I appreciate your time. 367 00:18:36,227 --> 00:18:38,787 Speaker 3: Thanks, no, thank you, Mark, Mark Robinson, there CEO of 368 00:18:38,947 --> 00:18:39,787 Speaker 3: New Zealand Rugby. 369 00:18:40,347 --> 00:18:43,547 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 370 00:18:43,627 --> 00:18:46,947 Speaker 1: to News Talk sed B weekends from midday or follow 371 00:18:46,987 --> 00:18:48,547 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio