1 00:00:06,707 --> 00:00:10,587 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,747 --> 00:00:11,787 Speaker 1: from Newstalks EDB. 3 00:00:13,227 --> 00:00:15,347 Speaker 2: As mentioned, always great to get the chance to catch 4 00:00:15,467 --> 00:00:17,827 Speaker 2: up on a regular basis with New Zealand Rugby CEO 5 00:00:17,947 --> 00:00:20,787 Speaker 2: Mark Robinson to stay up to date with a range 6 00:00:20,827 --> 00:00:23,947 Speaker 2: of rugby issues. Mark Robinson is with us on Weekend Sport. 7 00:00:24,027 --> 00:00:26,267 Speaker 2: Mark is always thank you for your time. Can we 8 00:00:26,267 --> 00:00:29,707 Speaker 2: start with figures released this week on Super Rugby viewership 9 00:00:29,827 --> 00:00:33,187 Speaker 2: during the round robin segment of the competition, over one 10 00:00:33,347 --> 00:00:36,187 Speaker 2: point nine to four million New Zealander is tuning in. 11 00:00:36,547 --> 00:00:40,427 Speaker 2: That is a sixteen percent lift on last season. How 12 00:00:40,427 --> 00:00:42,747 Speaker 2: pleasing are these numbers for you? 13 00:00:42,867 --> 00:00:44,947 Speaker 3: Yeah? Incredibly pleasing. 14 00:00:46,827 --> 00:00:49,307 Speaker 4: You know, we always had good scenes throughout the competition, 15 00:00:49,587 --> 00:00:54,187 Speaker 4: that viewership was strong. Certainly that the anecdotal feedback we 16 00:00:54,187 --> 00:00:57,387 Speaker 4: were getting right through the competition the round robin was 17 00:00:57,707 --> 00:01:01,747 Speaker 4: really positive. So they have it valid added now, as 18 00:01:02,227 --> 00:01:04,907 Speaker 4: you know, incredibly pleasing and where you know when you 19 00:01:04,947 --> 00:01:07,027 Speaker 4: look back and you think that there are more viewers 20 00:01:08,147 --> 00:01:12,667 Speaker 4: at this time, you know, already above the numbers for 21 00:01:12,707 --> 00:01:16,587 Speaker 4: the entire competition last year with an entire spinal series 22 00:01:16,627 --> 00:01:20,747 Speaker 4: to come, that's really exciting. So I guess it's it's 23 00:01:20,747 --> 00:01:22,467 Speaker 4: a sign of what we can do with the product, 24 00:01:23,267 --> 00:01:25,707 Speaker 4: you know, and the on field product's incredible. The officiating 25 00:01:25,707 --> 00:01:29,067 Speaker 4: has been great, and we have a sense that we're 26 00:01:29,107 --> 00:01:30,747 Speaker 4: onto something here with what the shape of the game 27 00:01:30,747 --> 00:01:32,707 Speaker 4: should look like on the field. And then there's also 28 00:01:32,787 --> 00:01:35,587 Speaker 4: been some great we've done around marketing and packaging the 29 00:01:35,627 --> 00:01:36,507 Speaker 4: competition as well. 30 00:01:36,587 --> 00:01:39,867 Speaker 3: So it's a great sort of direction of travel. 31 00:01:39,867 --> 00:01:43,467 Speaker 2: We're here, we think, absolutely so the increased engagement you 32 00:01:43,507 --> 00:01:46,387 Speaker 2: put it down mainly to the on field product, is 33 00:01:46,427 --> 00:01:47,867 Speaker 2: that kind of what you put your finger on when 34 00:01:47,867 --> 00:01:50,867 Speaker 2: you're looking for the real reasons behind us. 35 00:01:51,187 --> 00:01:52,867 Speaker 4: Well, I think there's a combination of things like I 36 00:01:52,947 --> 00:01:57,147 Speaker 4: touched on at the end of my last response, the pinting. 37 00:01:57,147 --> 00:01:59,147 Speaker 4: You know, there's definitely been a lot more we've gone 38 00:01:59,147 --> 00:02:02,747 Speaker 4: into engagement on social media, and we'll work really hard 39 00:02:02,787 --> 00:02:05,547 Speaker 4: with Sky in terms of the way the match days 40 00:02:05,547 --> 00:02:09,187 Speaker 4: have been impacked, just done some great storytelling alongside us 41 00:02:09,267 --> 00:02:13,147 Speaker 4: here in the partnership we have, and you know, we're 42 00:02:13,147 --> 00:02:14,867 Speaker 4: starting to see the benefit of a little bit more 43 00:02:14,867 --> 00:02:17,467 Speaker 4: access to the to the athletes and coaches. We've got 44 00:02:17,467 --> 00:02:19,307 Speaker 4: more to do there, we think, and we know that 45 00:02:19,307 --> 00:02:22,707 Speaker 4: everyone's excited to be revolved in developing that more. 46 00:02:22,787 --> 00:02:22,987 Speaker 3: So. 47 00:02:23,427 --> 00:02:25,147 Speaker 4: Look, I just think it's a combination of a lot 48 00:02:25,187 --> 00:02:26,507 Speaker 4: of good things. But at the end of the day, 49 00:02:27,067 --> 00:02:30,627 Speaker 4: it's important that the product on the fielders is great. 50 00:02:30,707 --> 00:02:33,787 Speaker 4: And we can see by all the matrix scene coming 51 00:02:33,827 --> 00:02:37,667 Speaker 4: through here too, with less intervention, you know, reducing the 52 00:02:37,747 --> 00:02:40,907 Speaker 4: next duration times, more ball and play. There's just a 53 00:02:40,907 --> 00:02:45,267 Speaker 4: lot more excitement around a product of think the uncertainty 54 00:02:45,347 --> 00:02:49,067 Speaker 4: of the competition. Obviously, there's been some great storylines around 55 00:02:49,307 --> 00:02:51,787 Speaker 4: what teams are coming through and performing well under the playoffs. 56 00:02:52,947 --> 00:02:54,387 Speaker 3: You know, we're probably seeing. 57 00:02:54,387 --> 00:02:58,707 Speaker 4: A number of games finishing with a lower score margin, 58 00:02:58,827 --> 00:03:00,307 Speaker 4: you know, in terms of the results, as well as 59 00:03:00,427 --> 00:03:02,987 Speaker 4: closer games and more upset. So all of those things 60 00:03:03,027 --> 00:03:05,187 Speaker 4: I think are combined to give us a great product issue. 61 00:03:05,907 --> 00:03:08,187 Speaker 2: How can are you to see those viewership numbers spill 62 00:03:08,227 --> 00:03:11,667 Speaker 2: over into increased attendances at games themselves. 63 00:03:12,987 --> 00:03:15,227 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's obviously a critical next step for us, and 64 00:03:15,227 --> 00:03:17,107 Speaker 4: we've started making a little bit of headway there. I 65 00:03:17,107 --> 00:03:20,947 Speaker 4: think we've seen probably the last few weeks and ground 66 00:03:20,987 --> 00:03:24,747 Speaker 4: attendance start to lift a bit. We think obviously into 67 00:03:24,747 --> 00:03:28,947 Speaker 4: the finals there'll be some some some big crowds but 68 00:03:29,067 --> 00:03:30,267 Speaker 4: that's that's certainly a work on. 69 00:03:30,347 --> 00:03:32,947 Speaker 3: We had a board meeting for Super Rugby. 70 00:03:32,667 --> 00:03:36,187 Speaker 4: Pacific Commission last Friday and Sydney and it's certainly with 71 00:03:36,267 --> 00:03:39,427 Speaker 4: the incoming CEO, Jack Nesley, working on you know, a 72 00:03:39,467 --> 00:03:41,667 Speaker 4: strategy for next year and beyond. It will be something 73 00:03:41,667 --> 00:03:42,747 Speaker 4: we're really targeting as well. 74 00:03:43,067 --> 00:03:45,587 Speaker 2: Would you like to see more afternoon kickoffs and Super. 75 00:03:45,427 --> 00:03:50,427 Speaker 4: Rugby look at something we're you know, we're actively engaged 76 00:03:50,467 --> 00:03:53,707 Speaker 4: with our clubs on and we'll be talking to you know, 77 00:03:54,787 --> 00:03:59,907 Speaker 4: broadcast partners with about that possibility. Certainly, things we sort 78 00:03:59,907 --> 00:04:03,787 Speaker 4: of talked about last week. We're more afternoon rugby, you know, 79 00:04:03,907 --> 00:04:08,307 Speaker 4: Sunday rugby. How do we look at using the Anzact 80 00:04:08,387 --> 00:04:10,307 Speaker 4: round more. Think we've made a good start with that, 81 00:04:10,467 --> 00:04:12,347 Speaker 4: but what can be done more around creating that real 82 00:04:12,387 --> 00:04:15,747 Speaker 4: ansect rivalry and the super round again and probably all 83 00:04:15,747 --> 00:04:19,307 Speaker 4: opportunities for improvement. So definitely it's in the mix Piney 84 00:04:19,347 --> 00:04:23,187 Speaker 4: to think about seeing some wonderful scenes around daytime rugby, 85 00:04:23,907 --> 00:04:26,907 Speaker 4: but you know, were also in partnership with our clubs 86 00:04:26,467 --> 00:04:29,227 Speaker 4: and Sky and we've just got to sort of work 87 00:04:29,267 --> 00:04:32,867 Speaker 4: through to make sure everyone's seeing success and whatever. The 88 00:04:33,067 --> 00:04:34,827 Speaker 4: consideration of the competition. 89 00:04:34,427 --> 00:04:36,907 Speaker 2: Is, so the shape will change next year. The rebels, 90 00:04:36,947 --> 00:04:38,947 Speaker 2: of course, are gone as soon as they're knocked out, 91 00:04:38,987 --> 00:04:41,867 Speaker 2: which could be this afternoon in Wellington. Do you have 92 00:04:41,907 --> 00:04:44,267 Speaker 2: any feel mark on what Super Rugby might look like 93 00:04:44,387 --> 00:04:46,827 Speaker 2: next year with just the eleven teams. 94 00:04:47,507 --> 00:04:50,107 Speaker 3: A little bit of work went into that on Friday. 95 00:04:50,147 --> 00:04:53,187 Speaker 4: There's more work the team's gone away to look at 96 00:04:53,187 --> 00:04:56,427 Speaker 4: the different draw permuications. 97 00:04:57,587 --> 00:04:58,667 Speaker 3: You know, into next year. 98 00:04:58,707 --> 00:05:02,027 Speaker 4: So we're probably another, you know, four to six weeks 99 00:05:02,067 --> 00:05:04,467 Speaker 4: away from really landing that, but a lot of good 100 00:05:04,467 --> 00:05:07,267 Speaker 4: work going into it and we think there's still a 101 00:05:07,307 --> 00:05:10,667 Speaker 4: way to develop and deliver a really compelling competition. 102 00:05:11,147 --> 00:05:13,667 Speaker 2: And you mentioned Super Around there that's been in Melbourne. 103 00:05:14,387 --> 00:05:16,787 Speaker 2: It won't be back in Melbourne, will it without a 104 00:05:16,827 --> 00:05:17,547 Speaker 2: team base there. 105 00:05:19,507 --> 00:05:21,507 Speaker 4: I'm luck, you know, we haven't confirmed that yet, but 106 00:05:21,667 --> 00:05:25,547 Speaker 4: there are a number of parties coming forward showing interest 107 00:05:25,587 --> 00:05:28,427 Speaker 4: in what super Round could look like. So it's another 108 00:05:28,467 --> 00:05:31,347 Speaker 4: thing alongside the the week we're doing on the drawer 109 00:05:31,387 --> 00:05:34,267 Speaker 4: overall that we'll just have to consider the next little while. 110 00:05:34,907 --> 00:05:37,347 Speaker 2: Other issues around at the moment are New Zealand Rugby's 111 00:05:37,467 --> 00:05:39,907 Speaker 2: special General meeting week or so ago saw the provincial 112 00:05:39,987 --> 00:05:43,227 Speaker 2: unions vote for proposal too as the way forward for 113 00:05:43,347 --> 00:05:48,267 Speaker 2: New Zealand Rugby's governance. How will the impending governance change 114 00:05:48,427 --> 00:05:50,427 Speaker 2: affect New Zealand Rugby's operations? 115 00:05:52,307 --> 00:05:53,947 Speaker 4: Look pointing, We've been pretty clear. I mean, I've been 116 00:05:53,987 --> 00:05:56,227 Speaker 4: really consistent. It's not for us for me to be 117 00:05:56,707 --> 00:05:59,107 Speaker 4: speaking about the governance review. 118 00:05:58,707 --> 00:06:00,707 Speaker 3: Or the vote last week. 119 00:06:01,627 --> 00:06:03,827 Speaker 4: What we're really charged with at the moment is making 120 00:06:03,827 --> 00:06:08,667 Speaker 4: sure we deliver deliver the game. And I'm really encouraged 121 00:06:08,707 --> 00:06:10,827 Speaker 4: with a number of things we're saying. We've just spoken 122 00:06:11,267 --> 00:06:13,707 Speaker 4: about the really positive science we see in Super Rugby. 123 00:06:14,947 --> 00:06:18,347 Speaker 4: We're also seeing a great start to the community game 124 00:06:18,387 --> 00:06:22,227 Speaker 4: this year. That the numbers year on year at the 125 00:06:22,267 --> 00:06:24,107 Speaker 4: stage by compared to the last year up. 126 00:06:24,067 --> 00:06:26,027 Speaker 3: By about six or seven percent, and. 127 00:06:25,907 --> 00:06:28,067 Speaker 4: That's on top of the bigler last year coming out 128 00:06:28,067 --> 00:06:33,227 Speaker 4: of COVID game. So that's super encouraging. We've got a 129 00:06:33,227 --> 00:06:35,867 Speaker 4: lot of exciting things to hear with our things in black, 130 00:06:35,907 --> 00:06:39,427 Speaker 4: you know, the black fans out and all Blacks encourage 131 00:06:39,427 --> 00:06:42,747 Speaker 4: with the way the seventh teams are building into into Powis. 132 00:06:42,787 --> 00:06:46,107 Speaker 4: Here's tough tough weekend, very fine margins in Madrid last week, 133 00:06:46,147 --> 00:06:49,067 Speaker 4: but overall we think that trajectoring. Those things are positive. 134 00:06:49,147 --> 00:06:51,107 Speaker 4: So look, you know, we've got a lot of stuff 135 00:06:51,347 --> 00:06:54,147 Speaker 4: to focus on here. We're also taking time to just 136 00:06:54,187 --> 00:06:57,227 Speaker 4: sort of reach for some of the strategic work we're 137 00:06:57,227 --> 00:06:59,307 Speaker 4: doing with a view of the next sort of three 138 00:06:59,387 --> 00:07:01,307 Speaker 4: or four years, and we're really looking forward to engaging 139 00:07:01,307 --> 00:07:02,907 Speaker 4: a game without stakeholders. 140 00:07:02,907 --> 00:07:03,387 Speaker 3: Now that the. 141 00:07:04,827 --> 00:07:08,267 Speaker 4: That those has been passed, we feel it's the time 142 00:07:08,267 --> 00:07:09,787 Speaker 4: to be able to bring the game together. We know 143 00:07:09,787 --> 00:07:13,547 Speaker 4: they've been different version of different stakeholders around governance, but 144 00:07:13,787 --> 00:07:16,067 Speaker 4: now you sit, it's our chance to step forward and 145 00:07:16,147 --> 00:07:19,067 Speaker 4: lead and really get people excited about the possibilities in 146 00:07:19,107 --> 00:07:21,707 Speaker 4: the game. And we've got opportunities to do that in 147 00:07:21,707 --> 00:07:23,827 Speaker 4: the next few weeks. For the Provincial Union CEO is 148 00:07:23,867 --> 00:07:25,827 Speaker 4: all coming into an APR for a couple of days together. 149 00:07:25,947 --> 00:07:27,227 Speaker 3: What's really excited. 150 00:07:26,907 --> 00:07:30,627 Speaker 4: About and that's where our energy is. You know, it's 151 00:07:30,707 --> 00:07:32,747 Speaker 4: it's got to be to take the game forward and 152 00:07:33,067 --> 00:07:36,827 Speaker 4: try and bring it together and deliver on some we 153 00:07:36,907 --> 00:07:38,267 Speaker 4: think really really cool times here. 154 00:07:38,707 --> 00:07:41,147 Speaker 2: Are you positive and optimistic that that'll happen, that the 155 00:07:41,187 --> 00:07:43,347 Speaker 2: game will come back together because it has been a 156 00:07:43,347 --> 00:07:43,947 Speaker 2: bit divisive. 157 00:07:45,347 --> 00:07:47,907 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean, there's obviously fairly a lot of different 158 00:07:47,947 --> 00:07:50,147 Speaker 4: views and emotions flying around in the last. 159 00:07:52,147 --> 00:07:54,307 Speaker 3: The last few weeks, and that's really. 160 00:07:54,267 --> 00:07:56,547 Speaker 4: Unfortunately, it's the distraction around some of the use of 161 00:07:56,627 --> 00:07:59,867 Speaker 4: positive things. You know, I've mentioned in. 162 00:07:59,707 --> 00:08:02,867 Speaker 3: Our chat today because we would ideally. 163 00:08:02,547 --> 00:08:04,947 Speaker 4: Ideally enough to be challe stories about all that cool stuff. 164 00:08:04,987 --> 00:08:08,987 Speaker 4: But now other you know, this has been brought to 165 00:08:09,027 --> 00:08:11,027 Speaker 4: a head. We feel there's the time to come here 166 00:08:11,147 --> 00:08:13,627 Speaker 4: and I think, kind of manly plinting, most people involved 167 00:08:13,627 --> 00:08:16,667 Speaker 4: with the game across New Zealand do want the best threat. 168 00:08:16,787 --> 00:08:20,787 Speaker 4: They sometimes have different views as to what the best necessarily. 169 00:08:20,347 --> 00:08:20,907 Speaker 3: Means or is. 170 00:08:20,987 --> 00:08:25,427 Speaker 4: But that's our role, you know, in terms of coordinating, 171 00:08:25,507 --> 00:08:28,307 Speaker 4: facilitating that, trying to understand the different views and ultimately 172 00:08:28,347 --> 00:08:31,027 Speaker 4: chart the way forward. And as I've said a few 173 00:08:31,067 --> 00:08:33,667 Speaker 4: times this week, you know, we see revenues now across 174 00:08:33,667 --> 00:08:36,827 Speaker 4: the game, but at over three hundred and thirty million dollars, 175 00:08:36,907 --> 00:08:39,307 Speaker 4: we do think there's a viable model care that can 176 00:08:39,387 --> 00:08:45,667 Speaker 4: cater to the grassroots, create excellent development and pathway systems 177 00:08:45,867 --> 00:08:47,867 Speaker 4: with probably more alignment than we have at the moment, 178 00:08:47,987 --> 00:08:51,747 Speaker 4: really good national competitions that feed into a professional competition 179 00:08:51,787 --> 00:08:52,307 Speaker 4: and super. 180 00:08:52,187 --> 00:08:55,907 Speaker 3: Rugby that ultimately supports our teams. 181 00:08:55,667 --> 00:08:59,107 Speaker 4: Winning on the international stage, So the other sort of 182 00:08:59,107 --> 00:09:00,747 Speaker 4: things we've got to work through the detail and a 183 00:09:00,787 --> 00:09:02,987 Speaker 4: few of those things at the moment, and the model 184 00:09:03,827 --> 00:09:06,187 Speaker 4: could certainly be improved, and that's that's where we see 185 00:09:06,187 --> 00:09:09,907 Speaker 4: that opportunity. But certainly the capacity and the game, like 186 00:09:09,947 --> 00:09:12,307 Speaker 4: I say, the value being created in the game with 187 00:09:12,747 --> 00:09:17,427 Speaker 4: revenue opportunities means that we can certainly resource the game well. 188 00:09:17,467 --> 00:09:19,267 Speaker 4: But there's a few things at the moment that need 189 00:09:19,267 --> 00:09:19,747 Speaker 4: a good tweet. 190 00:09:20,307 --> 00:09:23,427 Speaker 2: Speaking of the international stage, we heard recently of interest 191 00:09:23,467 --> 00:09:27,507 Speaker 2: from Cutter and hosting rugby's new Nations Championship finals when 192 00:09:27,547 --> 00:09:30,187 Speaker 2: they come to pass. Can you give us any update. 193 00:09:29,987 --> 00:09:33,547 Speaker 4: There, not really, Piney, I mean, it's a lot of 194 00:09:33,547 --> 00:09:36,627 Speaker 4: speculation floating around. The most encouraging thing is that we 195 00:09:38,107 --> 00:09:41,307 Speaker 4: are seeing so much excitement and speculation around this new 196 00:09:41,307 --> 00:09:44,787 Speaker 4: competition and from what I get I actually haven't seen 197 00:09:44,827 --> 00:09:46,907 Speaker 4: that the stories. It's a few headlines, but from what 198 00:09:46,947 --> 00:09:48,147 Speaker 4: I gather that they're no different. 199 00:09:47,907 --> 00:09:49,987 Speaker 3: To what was talking about for six weeks ago. So 200 00:09:49,987 --> 00:09:52,267 Speaker 3: there's nothing from outside there. 201 00:09:52,627 --> 00:09:56,307 Speaker 4: But we are encouraged by, you know, some of the 202 00:09:56,347 --> 00:09:59,707 Speaker 4: interests we're seeing internationally, and we just have to keep 203 00:09:59,747 --> 00:10:03,547 Speaker 4: working through the process of landing the competition and working 204 00:10:03,547 --> 00:10:05,667 Speaker 4: through some of the commercial arrangements that are involved. 205 00:10:06,507 --> 00:10:10,067 Speaker 2: Recently about the possibility of an ANZAC day Bleed Uslow 206 00:10:10,147 --> 00:10:13,587 Speaker 2: Cup test. Could that work given where April twenty five 207 00:10:13,827 --> 00:10:17,107 Speaker 2: is in the Super Rugby season, could that work feasibly 208 00:10:17,227 --> 00:10:17,427 Speaker 2: or not? 209 00:10:18,907 --> 00:10:20,987 Speaker 4: Well, we're remaining open mind. But there are a number 210 00:10:20,987 --> 00:10:22,947 Speaker 4: of things. You're right, it's a lot of work to 211 00:10:22,987 --> 00:10:25,547 Speaker 4: be done around the feasibility of that at an under 212 00:10:25,547 --> 00:10:30,987 Speaker 4: the levels, the calendar, the impact on Super Rugby. 213 00:10:32,067 --> 00:10:34,707 Speaker 3: Player wealth here consideration, so there's a whole raft of 214 00:10:34,707 --> 00:10:37,187 Speaker 3: things to consider. We've got Rugby Australia. 215 00:10:37,307 --> 00:10:39,547 Speaker 4: A War and his team are over to New Zealand 216 00:10:39,587 --> 00:10:41,147 Speaker 4: this week, so we've got a couple. 217 00:10:41,027 --> 00:10:41,747 Speaker 3: Of days of them again. 218 00:10:41,787 --> 00:10:44,387 Speaker 4: I'm sure we'll have another good discussion on that, along 219 00:10:44,427 --> 00:10:47,067 Speaker 4: with the whole rap things around the Rugby Championship, a 220 00:10:47,067 --> 00:10:50,227 Speaker 4: little bit more talk on our club competitions and picking 221 00:10:50,307 --> 00:10:52,467 Speaker 4: up on what's possible with Super Rugby and a woman's 222 00:10:52,507 --> 00:10:55,227 Speaker 4: face in the future. So we hope next year to 223 00:10:55,227 --> 00:10:58,187 Speaker 4: be able to include it might be a brief sort 224 00:10:58,227 --> 00:11:04,187 Speaker 4: of crossover finals sort of component, and then what beyond 225 00:11:04,227 --> 00:11:06,347 Speaker 4: twenty five The women's came to look like as well. 226 00:11:06,387 --> 00:11:08,267 Speaker 4: So there's some really good stuff on the table. We're 227 00:11:08,307 --> 00:11:11,987 Speaker 4: having some great constructive conversations with someone his team and 228 00:11:11,987 --> 00:11:14,027 Speaker 4: we'll look forward to engaging on the on the anti 229 00:11:14,147 --> 00:11:15,587 Speaker 4: gundis By idea of that time. 230 00:11:16,147 --> 00:11:19,827 Speaker 2: Back to domestic rugby the NPC Mark, what what jumps 231 00:11:19,827 --> 00:11:21,667 Speaker 2: into your mind when you think about the NPC at 232 00:11:21,667 --> 00:11:24,227 Speaker 2: the moment and the way forward for that competition. 233 00:11:25,467 --> 00:11:27,507 Speaker 4: Well, I think I've probably catched it when I answered 234 00:11:27,747 --> 00:11:30,747 Speaker 4: the question about what's possible of bringing the stakeholder groups 235 00:11:30,747 --> 00:11:33,187 Speaker 4: together Pliny. You know, we do see a place for 236 00:11:33,187 --> 00:11:36,347 Speaker 4: the national competitions. They are really critical part of our 237 00:11:36,467 --> 00:11:41,347 Speaker 4: of our pathway. We're encouraged that all stakeholders involved in 238 00:11:41,347 --> 00:11:45,427 Speaker 4: the conversations around our pathways and competitions that changes needed. So, 239 00:11:46,147 --> 00:11:48,827 Speaker 4: you know, we certainly all the line that relates to 240 00:11:49,587 --> 00:11:53,147 Speaker 4: the fact that change is required, but it's just what 241 00:11:53,147 --> 00:11:55,867 Speaker 4: what that sort of evolves into and what the final 242 00:11:55,907 --> 00:11:57,787 Speaker 4: state of that is that we're obviously working towards at 243 00:11:57,787 --> 00:12:00,267 Speaker 4: the moment. So so we actually, you know, we definitely 244 00:12:00,267 --> 00:12:05,507 Speaker 4: want a competition. We think it's important for our community 245 00:12:05,547 --> 00:12:08,707 Speaker 4: pathways an asps in the game. Some great traditional libraries 246 00:12:08,707 --> 00:12:12,747 Speaker 4: sort of associated with it. But you know, we've always 247 00:12:12,747 --> 00:12:15,867 Speaker 4: said it needs to be financially viable, and that's that's 248 00:12:15,867 --> 00:12:17,227 Speaker 4: a key thing we're sort of trying to work so 249 00:12:17,267 --> 00:12:20,067 Speaker 4: at the moment and bouncing all the different count ales 250 00:12:20,067 --> 00:12:20,667 Speaker 4: of play, do. 251 00:12:20,627 --> 00:12:22,787 Speaker 2: You think it can be financially viable? I mean. 252 00:12:24,587 --> 00:12:28,307 Speaker 4: Absolutely, you know, as I said before, we think the 253 00:12:28,387 --> 00:12:31,547 Speaker 4: game can be financially viable in this country. There's been 254 00:12:31,627 --> 00:12:35,187 Speaker 4: enough growth of revenue in recent times and investing in 255 00:12:35,267 --> 00:12:38,027 Speaker 4: more sort of growth at the moment obviously to create 256 00:12:38,107 --> 00:12:41,587 Speaker 4: value for the game. But it will mean just you know, 257 00:12:41,627 --> 00:12:44,067 Speaker 4: sitting down together, getting all the appropriate people in the 258 00:12:44,147 --> 00:12:46,067 Speaker 4: room and thinking through what that model could be. 259 00:12:46,947 --> 00:12:50,667 Speaker 2: And Auckland Stadium discussion, Well, do you have a current 260 00:12:50,747 --> 00:12:54,587 Speaker 2: view on the best way forward there? 261 00:12:54,827 --> 00:12:58,587 Speaker 4: We've we're pretty clear on the fact that we think 262 00:12:58,627 --> 00:13:03,547 Speaker 4: that if Aukland was to consider an alternative where our 263 00:13:03,627 --> 00:13:06,907 Speaker 4: preferred model was. But you know, ultimately we're huge amount 264 00:13:06,947 --> 00:13:10,107 Speaker 4: of respect and amazing history and tradition with Eden Park. 265 00:13:11,507 --> 00:13:13,787 Speaker 4: If there's to be a conversation about alternatives, and we 266 00:13:13,827 --> 00:13:16,627 Speaker 4: think that's a really good situation for the country and 267 00:13:16,947 --> 00:13:21,147 Speaker 4: Auckland region to bend. And you know when you look 268 00:13:21,347 --> 00:13:25,707 Speaker 4: at you know, what fans are demanding I case of experiences. 269 00:13:25,747 --> 00:13:29,107 Speaker 4: Now when you look at the opportunities that alternatives can 270 00:13:29,107 --> 00:13:34,227 Speaker 4: provide in terms of a real transfer transformational opportunity or 271 00:13:34,827 --> 00:13:37,307 Speaker 4: for the Auckland region and for all of news given for. 272 00:13:37,227 --> 00:13:38,947 Speaker 3: That and that, and then we think the conversation about 273 00:13:38,947 --> 00:13:40,467 Speaker 3: alternatives is really really positive. 274 00:13:40,667 --> 00:13:44,427 Speaker 4: And so you know where we'll just as required, we'll 275 00:13:44,467 --> 00:13:46,787 Speaker 4: be involved in processes if needed, but otherwise, you know, 276 00:13:46,827 --> 00:13:49,667 Speaker 4: we're just excited that there's a process in place now 277 00:13:49,667 --> 00:13:53,507 Speaker 4: to consider what alternatives might provide it or what intern 278 00:13:54,667 --> 00:13:56,387 Speaker 4: you know, the growth and development of Eden Park could 279 00:13:56,427 --> 00:13:56,707 Speaker 4: look like. 280 00:13:57,227 --> 00:13:59,187 Speaker 2: You reckon raise us looking forward to naming his first 281 00:13:59,187 --> 00:14:00,507 Speaker 2: all black squad in a couple of weeks. 282 00:14:01,987 --> 00:14:02,547 Speaker 3: I sure do. 283 00:14:02,827 --> 00:14:05,707 Speaker 4: Yeah, you know, I've been traveling a little bit, but 284 00:14:05,707 --> 00:14:07,507 Speaker 4: I've been back in caught up with them a little 285 00:14:07,507 --> 00:14:09,267 Speaker 4: bit over the last couple of days and was with 286 00:14:09,427 --> 00:14:13,187 Speaker 4: him and Jason and Leon and Hamilton last night. And yeah, 287 00:14:13,227 --> 00:14:15,987 Speaker 4: they are a huge amount of great work pinting and 288 00:14:16,107 --> 00:14:18,627 Speaker 4: they've done a lot of work around the whole game 289 00:14:18,667 --> 00:14:21,747 Speaker 4: with different stakeholders, are connecting in really well. 290 00:14:22,747 --> 00:14:22,907 Speaker 3: Now. 291 00:14:22,907 --> 00:14:26,667 Speaker 4: I know they've been working with leadership groups and the 292 00:14:26,747 --> 00:14:28,227 Speaker 4: management team group that's done you. 293 00:14:28,187 --> 00:14:29,027 Speaker 3: Know a lot of good work. 294 00:14:29,067 --> 00:14:32,387 Speaker 4: But you know, we've sort of talked about it broach 295 00:14:32,427 --> 00:14:34,907 Speaker 4: out the last couple of days, the fact that everyone's 296 00:14:34,907 --> 00:14:37,027 Speaker 4: looking forward to getting together and getting closer to tax 297 00:14:37,107 --> 00:14:38,147 Speaker 4: and playing some footy, and. 298 00:14:38,107 --> 00:14:40,387 Speaker 3: We could have hoped for a better start. 299 00:14:40,147 --> 00:14:42,427 Speaker 4: Through our international season having England to year and it's 300 00:14:42,427 --> 00:14:47,707 Speaker 4: always great rivalry. They are tracking incredibly well with the 301 00:14:47,707 --> 00:14:50,587 Speaker 4: teams that they are putting together and they showed evidence 302 00:14:50,587 --> 00:14:52,187 Speaker 4: to that the backing in district nations. 303 00:14:52,227 --> 00:14:54,587 Speaker 3: So yeah, it's all shaping up. You know, the great 304 00:14:54,587 --> 00:14:56,067 Speaker 3: final series to Super Rugby. 305 00:14:56,107 --> 00:14:57,907 Speaker 4: We think we're with some compelling viewing in the next 306 00:14:57,907 --> 00:15:01,627 Speaker 4: few weeks. You know, we're going to name the All 307 00:15:01,627 --> 00:15:04,627 Speaker 4: Blacks after the final, which is the first time for 308 00:15:04,667 --> 00:15:06,227 Speaker 4: many many years have done that to make sure the 309 00:15:06,387 --> 00:15:09,787 Speaker 4: a great runway around telling great stories to Super Rugby, 310 00:15:09,867 --> 00:15:11,107 Speaker 4: and then it'll be all on them for you All 311 00:15:11,147 --> 00:15:13,227 Speaker 4: Blacks and the Black fan's kicking them after that. 312 00:15:13,347 --> 00:15:14,547 Speaker 3: So so, like. 313 00:15:14,507 --> 00:15:17,267 Speaker 4: I said Toiney, that's why we're really heartened with you know, 314 00:15:17,467 --> 00:15:19,347 Speaker 4: some of the things we're seeing in the game and 315 00:15:19,427 --> 00:15:22,187 Speaker 4: some of the words and the scriptors of around you 316 00:15:22,187 --> 00:15:24,547 Speaker 4: know where rugby's are used and the lead up to 317 00:15:24,587 --> 00:15:27,827 Speaker 4: the ESGM. We're really unfortunate and frankly just not true 318 00:15:28,027 --> 00:15:30,987 Speaker 4: about the state of the game. We had real heart 319 00:15:31,707 --> 00:15:33,667 Speaker 4: in a great space and they can continue to grow. 320 00:15:33,907 --> 00:15:36,107 Speaker 2: All right, Hey, Mike, appreciate your time as always, Thank 321 00:15:36,147 --> 00:15:39,387 Speaker 2: you for making yourself available to us. Mark Robinson, CEO 322 00:15:39,547 --> 00:15:43,107 Speaker 2: of New Zealand Rugby your chance to pick up on anything. 323 00:15:43,147 --> 00:15:45,267 Speaker 2: You heard that from Mark Robinson at eight hundred and 324 00:15:45,347 --> 00:15:48,067 Speaker 2: eighty ten eighty nine two nine two on text it's 325 00:15:48,107 --> 00:15:50,947 Speaker 2: twelve twenty six. I agree with that last, but I 326 00:15:51,027 --> 00:15:54,707 Speaker 2: must say the narrative around the game has at times 327 00:15:54,747 --> 00:15:58,387 Speaker 2: been a very negative one this year from certain sectors 328 00:15:58,427 --> 00:16:02,627 Speaker 2: of the population. And yes the game has issues to address, 329 00:16:02,667 --> 00:16:05,227 Speaker 2: of course it does, but so lots of sport. The 330 00:16:05,347 --> 00:16:07,547 Speaker 2: quality of Super Rugby if we just look at Super 331 00:16:07,627 --> 00:16:11,507 Speaker 2: Rugby as a product, I think it's been very good 332 00:16:11,867 --> 00:16:14,187 Speaker 2: and the viewer numbers are no surprise to me. The 333 00:16:14,227 --> 00:16:17,107 Speaker 2: fact that there are sixteen percent year on year. I 334 00:16:17,147 --> 00:16:18,947 Speaker 2: know you can prove any it with stats, but those 335 00:16:18,987 --> 00:16:22,507 Speaker 2: are the stats. Sixteen percent increase year on year in 336 00:16:22,587 --> 00:16:24,667 Speaker 2: terms of viewer numbers of Super Rugby. I mean, I'll 337 00:16:24,707 --> 00:16:27,467 Speaker 2: be watching these three games today at ground for the 338 00:16:27,467 --> 00:16:30,387 Speaker 2: first one, the other two on TV and my view 339 00:16:30,427 --> 00:16:36,667 Speaker 2: is super rugby, very watchable. Daytime kickoffs really interesting issue 340 00:16:36,667 --> 00:16:39,187 Speaker 2: for me. It works for a lot of people in 341 00:16:39,267 --> 00:16:42,227 Speaker 2: terms of getting along to the game, especially families. The 342 00:16:42,307 --> 00:16:44,747 Speaker 2: players really like it. Almost every player you talk to 343 00:16:44,827 --> 00:16:47,827 Speaker 2: about playing games at two thirty or four thirty in 344 00:16:47,867 --> 00:16:50,947 Speaker 2: the afternoon are big fans of it. But for the 345 00:16:50,947 --> 00:16:55,427 Speaker 2: broadcaster they like, of course the evening kickoffs more eyeballs 346 00:16:55,467 --> 00:16:58,307 Speaker 2: for them. And I must say as a TV viewer, 347 00:16:59,387 --> 00:17:02,267 Speaker 2: I kind of do as well. I'd much rather watch 348 00:17:02,387 --> 00:17:07,187 Speaker 2: rugby on TV at five past seven half past four, 349 00:17:07,347 --> 00:17:10,347 Speaker 2: wouldn't you? Isn't it in a more convenient time to 350 00:17:10,467 --> 00:17:13,667 Speaker 2: watch television half past four? It's I mean, there's still 351 00:17:13,707 --> 00:17:15,587 Speaker 2: quite a bit of the day to go, You're not 352 00:17:15,707 --> 00:17:18,027 Speaker 2: quite done with all the things that you want to 353 00:17:18,027 --> 00:17:23,307 Speaker 2: get done. There's other things to you know, to grab 354 00:17:23,347 --> 00:17:27,387 Speaker 2: your attention. Five past seven is grade. Club players here 355 00:17:27,427 --> 00:17:29,787 Speaker 2: in Wellington, for example, have been quite vocal this week 356 00:17:29,827 --> 00:17:33,907 Speaker 2: on the four thirty kickoff, which will preclude a bunch 357 00:17:33,987 --> 00:17:37,787 Speaker 2: of them from getting along. What about Sunday games? 358 00:17:38,227 --> 00:17:38,467 Speaker 3: Is that? 359 00:17:38,547 --> 00:17:43,587 Speaker 2: The answer? Again? Great for people getting along, not so 360 00:17:43,747 --> 00:17:46,467 Speaker 2: much for people watching on television. Two thirty on a 361 00:17:46,507 --> 00:17:50,267 Speaker 2: Sunday is a dead zone for TV viewership. I mean, really, 362 00:17:50,267 --> 00:17:53,107 Speaker 2: who's watching TV at two thirty on a Sunday afternoon. 363 00:17:54,027 --> 00:17:58,147 Speaker 2: The answer that it's balance, isn't it? The answer is balance, 364 00:17:59,187 --> 00:18:02,707 Speaker 2: a mix of what works for broadcasters who provide massive 365 00:18:02,787 --> 00:18:05,107 Speaker 2: revenue to the game, and what works for us as 366 00:18:05,147 --> 00:18:07,707 Speaker 2: fans to get along. The two are not one and 367 00:18:07,747 --> 00:18:09,467 Speaker 2: the same, but they have to coexist, don't they. What 368 00:18:09,667 --> 00:18:13,547 Speaker 2: is the best balance for you as far as the 369 00:18:13,627 --> 00:18:15,307 Speaker 2: kickoff times are concerned. 370 00:18:15,987 --> 00:18:19,187 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, Listen live 371 00:18:19,267 --> 00:18:22,587 Speaker 1: to News Talk set B weekends from midday, or follow 372 00:18:22,627 --> 00:18:24,227 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio.