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 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from Newstalks EDB. 3 00:00:12,667 --> 00:00:17,227 Speaker 2: Super Rugby Pacific continues to deliver. Round four opened last 4 00:00:17,307 --> 00:00:18,667 Speaker 2: night with an upset of Eden Park. 5 00:00:18,747 --> 00:00:23,027 Speaker 3: The Brumby's have it under lock and key. The siren goes, 6 00:00:23,467 --> 00:00:27,067 Speaker 3: the arms go up for the Brumbies. They went and 7 00:00:27,147 --> 00:00:30,747 Speaker 3: eating Park for the first time in twelve years twenty 8 00:00:30,827 --> 00:00:36,107 Speaker 3: one twenty the Brumbies stun the Blues in the Garden 9 00:00:36,107 --> 00:00:36,587 Speaker 3: of Eden. 10 00:00:36,787 --> 00:00:39,507 Speaker 2: They certainly didn't among those in attendance last night with 11 00:00:39,547 --> 00:00:43,707 Speaker 2: Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley, who's joined us in studio, 12 00:00:43,747 --> 00:00:46,987 Speaker 2: did the Australian and you enjoy watching the Brumby speak 13 00:00:47,027 --> 00:00:47,867 Speaker 2: the Blues last night? 14 00:00:47,947 --> 00:00:52,467 Speaker 4: Jack, Well, I mean, as the competition administrator, unexpected results 15 00:00:52,627 --> 00:00:54,467 Speaker 4: are good for us, so I'll put it that way. Piney, 16 00:00:55,107 --> 00:00:58,067 Speaker 4: I was loved, I was kindly hosted by the Blues 17 00:00:58,107 --> 00:01:00,667 Speaker 4: and yeah, it was a it was a quiet box 18 00:01:00,667 --> 00:01:01,307 Speaker 4: there at the end. 19 00:01:01,827 --> 00:01:03,747 Speaker 2: I can imagine it would have been. But as you say, 20 00:01:03,827 --> 00:01:08,267 Speaker 2: the ongoing jeopardy including results, must be something you're very 21 00:01:08,387 --> 00:01:12,107 Speaker 2: very happy about and overall terms, first of all, how 22 00:01:12,147 --> 00:01:13,907 Speaker 2: happy are you with the first three and a bit 23 00:01:14,027 --> 00:01:15,267 Speaker 2: rounds of Super Rugby this year. 24 00:01:15,507 --> 00:01:19,227 Speaker 4: Yeah, we're thrilled and thrilled with the response from fans, 25 00:01:19,227 --> 00:01:23,147 Speaker 4: through audiences and crowds to have records broken, like the 26 00:01:23,187 --> 00:01:27,227 Speaker 4: Brumbys broke lass last night. The Western Force broke in 27 00:01:27,267 --> 00:01:31,067 Speaker 4: playing the Brumbies, you know, some long term wins that 28 00:01:31,107 --> 00:01:34,787 Speaker 4: they haven't been able to achieve for years. That's really 29 00:01:34,787 --> 00:01:38,307 Speaker 4: exciting for the competition. So, you know, you add those 30 00:01:38,307 --> 00:01:41,107 Speaker 4: close games, those unexpected results to the way in which 31 00:01:41,147 --> 00:01:44,747 Speaker 4: it's being played. You know, really great running rugby. We're 32 00:01:44,747 --> 00:01:49,587 Speaker 4: seeing records in meters run and you know, the best 33 00:01:49,627 --> 00:01:52,507 Speaker 4: ever season in terms of average points scored in the 34 00:01:52,507 --> 00:01:54,827 Speaker 4: thirty years of Super Rugby. So those two things combine 35 00:01:54,907 --> 00:01:58,067 Speaker 4: close margins and the style of play we're seeing is 36 00:01:58,467 --> 00:01:59,187 Speaker 4: really exciting. 37 00:01:59,707 --> 00:02:02,347 Speaker 2: So those on field metrics, that's interesting because you and 38 00:02:02,347 --> 00:02:04,307 Speaker 2: I have spoken and we've talked about crowd numbers, We've 39 00:02:04,307 --> 00:02:06,707 Speaker 2: talked about viewer numbers. Those are offield things obviously, but 40 00:02:06,787 --> 00:02:09,587 Speaker 2: you are also looking at on field metrics when you're 41 00:02:09,907 --> 00:02:12,107 Speaker 2: judging the success of Super Rugby. Yeah. 42 00:02:12,147 --> 00:02:15,027 Speaker 4: Absolutely, you know, I think the way we kind of 43 00:02:15,107 --> 00:02:18,227 Speaker 4: can look at our whole strategy is our core product. 44 00:02:18,907 --> 00:02:21,227 Speaker 4: You know that that is that is the thing that 45 00:02:21,307 --> 00:02:23,707 Speaker 4: we sell, and so that has to be great. So 46 00:02:23,747 --> 00:02:25,827 Speaker 4: we look at our core product, we look at fan engagement, 47 00:02:25,827 --> 00:02:28,747 Speaker 4: and we look at commercial outcomes. So our starting position 48 00:02:28,827 --> 00:02:31,027 Speaker 4: is always how good is our core product? And we 49 00:02:31,067 --> 00:02:33,907 Speaker 4: did a lot of work in the off season and 50 00:02:33,987 --> 00:02:36,787 Speaker 4: as the administration have done in the past couple of seasons, 51 00:02:36,827 --> 00:02:39,027 Speaker 4: on how do we make you know, how do we 52 00:02:39,027 --> 00:02:41,747 Speaker 4: set this product up for success. We've got the best athletes, 53 00:02:41,787 --> 00:02:43,827 Speaker 4: as we've talked about, we've got the best coaches, we've 54 00:02:43,867 --> 00:02:46,187 Speaker 4: got the best match officials. What do we do to 55 00:02:46,307 --> 00:02:48,507 Speaker 4: make sure that they are all set up for success 56 00:02:48,547 --> 00:02:50,987 Speaker 4: to go out there and do what they all can do? 57 00:02:51,227 --> 00:02:54,107 Speaker 4: And yeah, that's a combination of the law innovation that 58 00:02:54,107 --> 00:02:57,067 Speaker 4: we've been driving and pushing. And then you know, what 59 00:02:57,067 --> 00:02:59,107 Speaker 4: are the sort of what's the direction we give the 60 00:02:59,147 --> 00:03:01,187 Speaker 4: match officials in terms of what do we want to see? 61 00:03:01,907 --> 00:03:03,827 Speaker 4: And within that, you know, we've probably you know, we've 62 00:03:03,827 --> 00:03:07,187 Speaker 4: got up to like sixty different measures what we call 63 00:03:07,227 --> 00:03:10,347 Speaker 4: our shape of game, and that's everything from you know, 64 00:03:10,867 --> 00:03:14,267 Speaker 4: number of scrums, line out's, number of penalties, number of tries, 65 00:03:14,267 --> 00:03:17,507 Speaker 4: et cetera. Also time taken to do those things. So 66 00:03:17,627 --> 00:03:21,547 Speaker 4: where does the time go. And really our job is 67 00:03:21,587 --> 00:03:25,307 Speaker 4: to look at law innovation, look at match official interpretation, 68 00:03:26,387 --> 00:03:29,067 Speaker 4: and then work with the teams on where we want 69 00:03:29,147 --> 00:03:33,147 Speaker 4: to really emphasize focus to make sure the products set 70 00:03:33,227 --> 00:03:35,867 Speaker 4: up for success. So you know what fans would have 71 00:03:35,907 --> 00:03:38,547 Speaker 4: seen this year is those law innovations that are helping 72 00:03:38,547 --> 00:03:41,667 Speaker 4: with that. You know, the nine having a bit more protection, 73 00:03:41,827 --> 00:03:44,747 Speaker 4: meaning the balls clearing quicker. But you've probably also heard 74 00:03:44,827 --> 00:03:48,387 Speaker 4: through through the refs mics on broadcast. You know, the 75 00:03:48,787 --> 00:03:50,747 Speaker 4: ref's been quite hard on the nine. Get rid of it, 76 00:03:50,787 --> 00:03:54,547 Speaker 4: play it or counting down or use it one to 77 00:03:54,587 --> 00:03:58,307 Speaker 4: set the scrum and move on. Also off waving off 78 00:03:58,707 --> 00:04:02,147 Speaker 4: the water runners and playing on through minor injury. So 79 00:04:02,667 --> 00:04:04,787 Speaker 4: all of those things, along with the law innovation and 80 00:04:04,827 --> 00:04:06,867 Speaker 4: then just the general intent of the oachs and the 81 00:04:06,907 --> 00:04:09,787 Speaker 4: players to have an absolute crack I think, is really 82 00:04:10,067 --> 00:04:11,267 Speaker 4: what's setting it up for success. 83 00:04:11,787 --> 00:04:14,427 Speaker 2: What about TMO involvement, is that one of those metrics 84 00:04:14,667 --> 00:04:18,267 Speaker 2: or lack of I guess and an ideal world there's none, right, 85 00:04:18,307 --> 00:04:20,787 Speaker 2: but there has to be some. But is that a metric? Yeah? 86 00:04:20,787 --> 00:04:23,267 Speaker 4: Absolutely, well, so we've taken we've got a variation in 87 00:04:23,307 --> 00:04:28,147 Speaker 4: the in world rugby laws on TMO, So what we've 88 00:04:28,267 --> 00:04:30,947 Speaker 4: agreed with World Rugby is that our TMO intervention will 89 00:04:30,987 --> 00:04:34,347 Speaker 4: be only around foul play and only around try scorings, 90 00:04:34,387 --> 00:04:38,667 Speaker 4: but but led by the on field referee. So the 91 00:04:38,707 --> 00:04:41,507 Speaker 4: on field referee owns the game and he can he 92 00:04:41,507 --> 00:04:43,627 Speaker 4: can go to those things unless it's our play that 93 00:04:43,907 --> 00:04:46,987 Speaker 4: will get called in. So what you now see is 94 00:04:47,427 --> 00:04:49,827 Speaker 4: less TMO intervention than when you might might have been 95 00:04:49,867 --> 00:04:52,947 Speaker 4: watching the the Abs up up in the North, or 96 00:04:52,987 --> 00:04:56,947 Speaker 4: if you're watching Six Nations, and that's quite deliberate. But 97 00:04:57,027 --> 00:05:00,987 Speaker 4: we player safety is absolutely paramount, so we absolutely need 98 00:05:01,427 --> 00:05:03,947 Speaker 4: need those tmos there to make sure that should the 99 00:05:04,387 --> 00:05:07,347 Speaker 4: on field guys and the AAR missed something, that we're 100 00:05:07,387 --> 00:05:08,027 Speaker 4: picking that up. 101 00:05:08,867 --> 00:05:11,227 Speaker 2: Sky Sport released some viewer numbers this week. One point 102 00:05:11,267 --> 00:05:14,747 Speaker 2: one four million have tuned into Super Rugby Pacific across 103 00:05:14,787 --> 00:05:17,187 Speaker 2: the first three rounds on Sky Sport and Sky Open. 104 00:05:17,187 --> 00:05:19,627 Speaker 2: That's a twelve percent rise on last year, which you know, 105 00:05:19,627 --> 00:05:21,747 Speaker 2: those are encouraging numbers. What about in Australia, Jack, what 106 00:05:21,747 --> 00:05:22,947 Speaker 2: have you and numbers like over there? 107 00:05:23,147 --> 00:05:26,427 Speaker 4: Yeah, well we just released some numbers with Stan and 108 00:05:26,507 --> 00:05:28,867 Speaker 4: with nine and both of those are both so nine 109 00:05:28,907 --> 00:05:31,627 Speaker 4: the free to wear and stand the streaming are both 110 00:05:31,707 --> 00:05:35,067 Speaker 4: up over double digits and really importantly in FIG as well, 111 00:05:35,347 --> 00:05:39,107 Speaker 4: we're seeing great growth forty percent growth in our viewership 112 00:05:39,187 --> 00:05:42,827 Speaker 4: numbers in FIG as well, So yeah, really promising signs. 113 00:05:42,867 --> 00:05:45,187 Speaker 4: And that's off the back in New Zealand of a 114 00:05:45,187 --> 00:05:47,547 Speaker 4: great year last year where we also had double digit growth, 115 00:05:47,587 --> 00:05:50,467 Speaker 4: So you know, we really want this momentum to continue 116 00:05:50,507 --> 00:05:51,107 Speaker 4: a year on year. 117 00:05:51,707 --> 00:05:53,867 Speaker 2: How happy are you with crowd numbers, you know in 118 00:05:53,947 --> 00:05:54,987 Speaker 2: game spectating? 119 00:05:55,387 --> 00:05:58,747 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think we're pretty pleased. Round one was especially good. 120 00:05:58,747 --> 00:06:01,187 Speaker 4: I think we're forty percent up on Round one last year, 121 00:06:01,907 --> 00:06:04,187 Speaker 4: and then Round two we had we had Super Round 122 00:06:04,227 --> 00:06:05,867 Speaker 4: last year in Melbourne so we couldn't really get a 123 00:06:05,907 --> 00:06:09,667 Speaker 4: comparative analysis. Round three was good as well, so yeah, 124 00:06:09,667 --> 00:06:11,387 Speaker 4: I think we're really pleased. And I know last night 125 00:06:11,507 --> 00:06:13,907 Speaker 4: the Blues, you know, they would love to see a 126 00:06:13,907 --> 00:06:17,027 Speaker 4: full eating park, but for a Brumby's match, I think 127 00:06:17,067 --> 00:06:19,787 Speaker 4: that they were that was kind of above expectation. So 128 00:06:20,227 --> 00:06:22,907 Speaker 4: there's lots of room to go on that. But you know, 129 00:06:23,307 --> 00:06:25,307 Speaker 4: we've just got to chip away at it and it's 130 00:06:25,667 --> 00:06:27,547 Speaker 4: really pleasing to see all the work the clubs are 131 00:06:27,587 --> 00:06:33,107 Speaker 4: doing to drive initiatives to continue to fill stadium So 132 00:06:33,707 --> 00:06:36,507 Speaker 4: you know, if we talk about you know, the Chiefs 133 00:06:36,507 --> 00:06:40,947 Speaker 4: and their rhythms and Rugby Music Festival, great innovations to 134 00:06:41,027 --> 00:06:43,427 Speaker 4: be doing, and we've got kids rounds next weekend. The 135 00:06:43,467 --> 00:06:45,587 Speaker 4: clubs are doing some great stuff there with Marvel to 136 00:06:45,947 --> 00:06:49,307 Speaker 4: really try to bring those younger fans into into stadiums. 137 00:06:49,707 --> 00:06:52,467 Speaker 2: I guess from your point of view, it wouldn't matter 138 00:06:53,067 --> 00:06:55,907 Speaker 2: on your balance sheet, would it if nobody turned up, 139 00:06:56,107 --> 00:06:59,667 Speaker 2: because the revenue you get is from broadcast, but it 140 00:06:59,787 --> 00:07:02,187 Speaker 2: must well it looks better on TV for start if 141 00:07:02,227 --> 00:07:04,787 Speaker 2: it's a full stadium, So that is still an importance 142 00:07:05,187 --> 00:07:07,387 Speaker 2: or use that word again, metro for you the crowds 143 00:07:07,387 --> 00:07:08,387 Speaker 2: that are coming to games. 144 00:07:08,707 --> 00:07:12,867 Speaker 4: Absolutely, I mean it is fundamental for club penals and 145 00:07:13,347 --> 00:07:17,667 Speaker 4: the competition cannot succeed unless it has healthy clubs. So yeah, 146 00:07:17,747 --> 00:07:21,387 Speaker 4: I think it is absolutely important. And we also know 147 00:07:21,507 --> 00:07:23,867 Speaker 4: that you know, when you're you will engage with a 148 00:07:23,907 --> 00:07:27,427 Speaker 4: broadcast even more when you have full stadiums with high 149 00:07:27,507 --> 00:07:30,867 Speaker 4: energy and high atmosphere. So yeah, when we're when we're 150 00:07:30,907 --> 00:07:33,667 Speaker 4: talking to the broadcasters that they want full stadiums, they 151 00:07:33,667 --> 00:07:37,147 Speaker 4: want great pitches, as do clubs, as do comp So yeah, 152 00:07:37,227 --> 00:07:41,147 Speaker 4: I mean I think, yes, broadcast revenue is a significant 153 00:07:41,187 --> 00:07:45,707 Speaker 4: piece of our whole economy, if you like, but crowds 154 00:07:45,907 --> 00:07:49,667 Speaker 4: are absolutely vital to fuel that, but also to drive 155 00:07:49,707 --> 00:07:53,947 Speaker 4: club panels that are absolutely reliant on people turning up. 156 00:07:54,547 --> 00:07:57,307 Speaker 2: We've seen afternoon rugby as well. More to come tomorrow 157 00:07:57,387 --> 00:07:59,947 Speaker 2: in christ Church of course. Is that something that you're 158 00:08:00,027 --> 00:08:02,667 Speaker 2: you're committed to, that you're keen to see continue. 159 00:08:03,147 --> 00:08:05,907 Speaker 4: Absolutely. I think you know, when we talk about start 160 00:08:05,947 --> 00:08:08,587 Speaker 4: of play, in shape of game, there's no doubt the 161 00:08:08,587 --> 00:08:12,067 Speaker 4: weather is helping, you know, with that ball movement, with that, 162 00:08:12,267 --> 00:08:16,907 Speaker 4: with those tries, and with handling, and probably the heat 163 00:08:16,947 --> 00:08:19,427 Speaker 4: as well, you know, the heat when it's so hot 164 00:08:19,467 --> 00:08:22,147 Speaker 4: in Fiji and Perth. Even in Act we've had a 165 00:08:22,187 --> 00:08:25,347 Speaker 4: few drinks breaks and we've had to bring in you know, 166 00:08:25,427 --> 00:08:28,387 Speaker 4: that's bringing fatigue into the game. So yes, I really 167 00:08:28,467 --> 00:08:30,787 Speaker 4: love it. I think watching you know, watching Napier in 168 00:08:30,787 --> 00:08:33,547 Speaker 4: the sunshine the other day, you know, I'm going down 169 00:08:33,587 --> 00:08:36,307 Speaker 4: to christ Church tomorrow and I can't wait to see 170 00:08:36,787 --> 00:08:40,667 Speaker 4: see christ Church hopefully in sunshine. Yeah, I really love it. 171 00:08:40,707 --> 00:08:42,947 Speaker 4: And I think as we've talked about, you know, we 172 00:08:42,987 --> 00:08:46,587 Speaker 4: want time slots that help different people get to games, 173 00:08:46,587 --> 00:08:50,067 Speaker 4: and you know, late night games are really tough for 174 00:08:50,667 --> 00:08:53,427 Speaker 4: people with young families. You know, a seven thirty kickoff, 175 00:08:53,747 --> 00:08:55,427 Speaker 4: you know, it means it's a it's a well passed 176 00:08:55,467 --> 00:08:57,627 Speaker 4: bedtime by the time you're getting home getting back from 177 00:08:57,627 --> 00:09:00,347 Speaker 4: a stadium. So if we can, if we can continue 178 00:09:00,387 --> 00:09:02,787 Speaker 4: to do that, that's really good, and I think really 179 00:09:02,787 --> 00:09:07,067 Speaker 4: pleasingly because we have scheduled some quite big matchups in 180 00:09:07,107 --> 00:09:10,347 Speaker 4: those day slots. The fact that that's still driving a 181 00:09:10,387 --> 00:09:13,267 Speaker 4: really good TV result is really promising for me. 182 00:09:14,387 --> 00:09:16,987 Speaker 2: Is there anything you're not happy with from the first 183 00:09:17,027 --> 00:09:19,907 Speaker 2: month or anything that is a work on that you'd 184 00:09:19,947 --> 00:09:20,987 Speaker 2: like to see improvement in? 185 00:09:21,627 --> 00:09:26,307 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think that we'll always yeah, absolutely absolutely, you know, 186 00:09:26,427 --> 00:09:28,707 Speaker 4: and I think we've been pretty transparent that, you know, 187 00:09:28,747 --> 00:09:31,307 Speaker 4: we've got a long way to go. So what we 188 00:09:31,427 --> 00:09:34,227 Speaker 4: hope we're doing is betting in some of these foundational 189 00:09:34,267 --> 00:09:38,227 Speaker 4: things like our communication flow each week, like fantasy, like 190 00:09:38,707 --> 00:09:41,867 Speaker 4: new tools. But yeah, well, I mean there's there's plenty 191 00:09:41,907 --> 00:09:46,427 Speaker 4: more we can be doing. You know. The interesting thing 192 00:09:46,587 --> 00:09:51,627 Speaker 4: is with close result, there is microscope on match official decisions, 193 00:09:52,027 --> 00:09:57,027 Speaker 4: there's microscope on TMO and siting commissioners and things like that, So, 194 00:09:57,667 --> 00:10:00,627 Speaker 4: you know, I think it's a blessing and a curse. 195 00:10:00,667 --> 00:10:03,507 Speaker 4: We have close games. Everyone looks at the incident in 196 00:10:03,547 --> 00:10:06,627 Speaker 4: the in the seventy eighth minute and the a lot 197 00:10:06,627 --> 00:10:08,467 Speaker 4: of tension on that, but you know, that's not a 198 00:10:08,507 --> 00:10:10,947 Speaker 4: bad thing. What we've got to do is just make 199 00:10:10,947 --> 00:10:13,107 Speaker 4: sure all of our processes are as good as they 200 00:10:13,107 --> 00:10:14,627 Speaker 4: can be and they're as tired as they can be. 201 00:10:14,747 --> 00:10:17,387 Speaker 4: And yeah, we'll continue to continue to do that. We 202 00:10:17,427 --> 00:10:21,027 Speaker 4: think we've got great processes around those things. And yeah, 203 00:10:21,187 --> 00:10:24,187 Speaker 4: but yeah, across the board, there's always opportunities. 204 00:10:24,947 --> 00:10:28,307 Speaker 2: Our guest and studio is Super Pacific CEO Jack Measley. Jack, 205 00:10:28,347 --> 00:10:30,027 Speaker 2: we had a story come to light this week about 206 00:10:30,027 --> 00:10:34,347 Speaker 2: some major travel disruption and accommodation issues for the Fiji 207 00:10:34,387 --> 00:10:36,707 Speaker 2: and Drewer during their Round two clash with the hurricanes. 208 00:10:36,747 --> 00:10:39,587 Speaker 2: They busted and turn up to take them to Napier. 209 00:10:39,587 --> 00:10:41,147 Speaker 2: They traveled in the back of a truck that was 210 00:10:41,147 --> 00:10:43,867 Speaker 2: there to transport all their gear. Have you gotten to 211 00:10:43,947 --> 00:10:46,467 Speaker 2: the bottom of what happened here? Yeah, we have. 212 00:10:47,507 --> 00:10:50,267 Speaker 4: Yeah, we're very aware of the situations as they were 213 00:10:50,347 --> 00:10:54,907 Speaker 4: unfolding and had very clear communication with the Drawer post 214 00:10:54,987 --> 00:10:59,707 Speaker 4: that weekend and no doubt extremely disappointing what happened, but 215 00:10:59,867 --> 00:11:04,147 Speaker 4: we've done a full review about the number of logistical 216 00:11:04,147 --> 00:11:07,387 Speaker 4: issues that happened. There are several over sites and breakdowns 217 00:11:07,387 --> 00:11:10,267 Speaker 4: and communications which sort of created the challenges for the drawer. 218 00:11:11,107 --> 00:11:13,787 Speaker 4: But these have been addressed with both clubs and an 219 00:11:13,827 --> 00:11:18,307 Speaker 4: external transport provider and we're very confident that they have 220 00:11:18,427 --> 00:11:22,547 Speaker 4: been addressed and dealt with. So yeah, again, really disappointing 221 00:11:22,587 --> 00:11:26,267 Speaker 4: what happened, but you know, we've done the review, we 222 00:11:26,307 --> 00:11:29,587 Speaker 4: know where those issues were and we've dealt with them, 223 00:11:29,587 --> 00:11:32,867 Speaker 4: and we won't really been commenting further. We don't want 224 00:11:32,907 --> 00:11:36,667 Speaker 4: to go into those big but you know, disappointing but 225 00:11:37,027 --> 00:11:37,387 Speaker 4: dealt with. 226 00:11:37,867 --> 00:11:40,907 Speaker 2: Can I just ask you, though, where does ultimate responsibility 227 00:11:41,067 --> 00:11:44,867 Speaker 2: lie for travel and accommodation of Super Rugby sites? 228 00:11:46,787 --> 00:11:52,587 Speaker 4: Yeah, well that is a multi multiple different parties are 229 00:11:52,667 --> 00:11:56,747 Speaker 4: involved with every set of player movements, so the club itself, 230 00:11:57,747 --> 00:12:02,827 Speaker 4: sands are and Super Rugby Pacific, the hosting club and 231 00:12:02,867 --> 00:12:06,027 Speaker 4: then obviously a raft of suppliers that then that then 232 00:12:06,067 --> 00:12:09,027 Speaker 4: delive for that. So there is no there is no 233 00:12:09,907 --> 00:12:13,427 Speaker 4: single point of breakdown here. There is no one to 234 00:12:13,587 --> 00:12:16,587 Speaker 4: point the finger out. This is because of the complexity 235 00:12:16,587 --> 00:12:20,147 Speaker 4: and the number of different parties involved. It's the breakdown 236 00:12:20,267 --> 00:12:22,387 Speaker 4: in comms between some of those parties that have led 237 00:12:22,427 --> 00:12:25,347 Speaker 4: to some of these issues. So, I know everyone wants 238 00:12:25,387 --> 00:12:29,987 Speaker 4: to wants to point the finger, but there isn't a 239 00:12:30,107 --> 00:12:32,067 Speaker 4: single place to point that finger. 240 00:12:33,427 --> 00:12:35,587 Speaker 2: What takes up most of your time on a day 241 00:12:35,587 --> 00:12:38,427 Speaker 2: to day and week to week basis. You know, we're 242 00:12:38,427 --> 00:12:42,227 Speaker 2: getting into the into the you know, the nitty gritty 243 00:12:42,267 --> 00:12:44,027 Speaker 2: of your job here. But you know, when you turn 244 00:12:44,107 --> 00:12:45,587 Speaker 2: turn up at work on a Monday, I mean, I 245 00:12:45,587 --> 00:12:47,387 Speaker 2: know you'll be traveling back this monthday, but when you 246 00:12:47,427 --> 00:12:49,067 Speaker 2: turn up at work, what takes up most of your 247 00:12:49,107 --> 00:12:49,747 Speaker 2: time day to day? 248 00:12:50,187 --> 00:12:53,267 Speaker 4: Yeah, So the early part of our week in season 249 00:12:53,347 --> 00:12:55,587 Speaker 4: is all about you know, as you said, like what 250 00:12:55,587 --> 00:12:57,987 Speaker 4: what can we do better? You know, we review every 251 00:12:58,027 --> 00:13:03,027 Speaker 4: weekend and you know, the match officials will do a review, 252 00:13:03,467 --> 00:13:05,547 Speaker 4: will do a review of a communications will do a 253 00:13:05,547 --> 00:13:08,867 Speaker 4: review of all the different elements and so then we'll 254 00:13:08,867 --> 00:13:11,747 Speaker 4: have a series of meetings to look at, you know, 255 00:13:12,667 --> 00:13:15,787 Speaker 4: what happened, what went wrong? What do we want to communicate, 256 00:13:15,987 --> 00:13:18,307 Speaker 4: you know, more broadly, because we do want to be 257 00:13:18,387 --> 00:13:21,467 Speaker 4: more transparent with what's going on in the competition. So 258 00:13:21,507 --> 00:13:23,827 Speaker 4: that's the early part of the week and then we'll 259 00:13:23,827 --> 00:13:27,227 Speaker 4: get into you know, really flipping that into the promotion 260 00:13:27,347 --> 00:13:31,427 Speaker 4: of the coming week. But really importantly and what we're 261 00:13:31,427 --> 00:13:34,067 Speaker 4: really trying to change is also you know, particularly in 262 00:13:34,107 --> 00:13:36,987 Speaker 4: my role with the with the board is getting further out. 263 00:13:37,187 --> 00:13:38,867 Speaker 4: So you know, we're already doing a lot of work 264 00:13:38,907 --> 00:13:42,947 Speaker 4: about twenty six, thinking about fixturing, thinking about how you 265 00:13:43,107 --> 00:13:46,147 Speaker 4: fixture can optimize crowds for example, as you asked earlier. 266 00:13:46,627 --> 00:13:49,187 Speaker 4: So yeah, it's a balance of the here and now 267 00:13:50,267 --> 00:13:55,627 Speaker 4: with getting out in front of future twenty six and beyond. 268 00:13:55,627 --> 00:13:58,667 Speaker 4: But clearly, you know, when you're in a competition like this, 269 00:13:59,267 --> 00:14:01,627 Speaker 4: it can take you any which way. You know, we've 270 00:14:01,667 --> 00:14:07,107 Speaker 4: got everything from you know, hia to citing to cyclones. 271 00:14:07,587 --> 00:14:09,347 Speaker 4: You know, some of our work this week has been 272 00:14:09,347 --> 00:14:12,827 Speaker 4: about making sure the Reds are in a good spot, 273 00:14:12,907 --> 00:14:15,587 Speaker 4: not just with their travel, but making sure you know, 274 00:14:15,667 --> 00:14:18,187 Speaker 4: they've got families at home going through all this as 275 00:14:18,227 --> 00:14:20,867 Speaker 4: they're in christ Church and then they play the Tars 276 00:14:20,947 --> 00:14:24,667 Speaker 4: next week in SUNCRP Stadium, So starting to deliver contingency 277 00:14:24,707 --> 00:14:29,267 Speaker 4: plans for travel for them and venues potentially, and also 278 00:14:29,547 --> 00:14:32,107 Speaker 4: you know, match officials who are some of the them 279 00:14:32,147 --> 00:14:35,907 Speaker 4: are based in based in Brisbane, So yeah, I mean 280 00:14:35,947 --> 00:14:38,987 Speaker 4: there's never a dull moment. And whilst we try to 281 00:14:39,107 --> 00:14:41,867 Speaker 4: schedule our week and make sure that we have time 282 00:14:41,947 --> 00:14:44,547 Speaker 4: set away for long term planning and things like that, 283 00:14:44,867 --> 00:14:47,507 Speaker 4: you just never know what might come on. Where are 284 00:14:47,507 --> 00:14:52,707 Speaker 4: we with a twelfth team, Well, I mean yeah, we 285 00:14:52,787 --> 00:14:56,147 Speaker 4: are looking at it, at options for expansion, not specifically 286 00:14:56,147 --> 00:15:00,147 Speaker 4: a twelfth team. So right now what we're doing is 287 00:15:00,267 --> 00:15:03,547 Speaker 4: looking at the long term and what that might hold 288 00:15:03,587 --> 00:15:07,707 Speaker 4: for Super Rugby, not specific again, not specifically, just trying 289 00:15:07,707 --> 00:15:11,067 Speaker 4: to find one team because we're not sure. Well, we 290 00:15:11,107 --> 00:15:15,107 Speaker 4: don't believe one team is an easy solution within our 291 00:15:15,147 --> 00:15:20,707 Speaker 4: current geography, and one team from further afield becomes really problematic. 292 00:15:20,827 --> 00:15:24,507 Speaker 4: And so whilst it solves a fixturing problem if you like, 293 00:15:25,027 --> 00:15:27,587 Speaker 4: it creates a whole lot of different issues for us. 294 00:15:27,587 --> 00:15:30,627 Speaker 4: If we have one team from you know, wherever that 295 00:15:30,707 --> 00:15:33,547 Speaker 4: might be, let's say Japan or the US or whatever, 296 00:15:34,147 --> 00:15:36,227 Speaker 4: having a lone wolf ovor on the other side of 297 00:15:36,267 --> 00:15:40,267 Speaker 4: the world is really problematic. So we're looking at we're 298 00:15:40,267 --> 00:15:45,387 Speaker 4: looking at options for expansions more holistically, but that's a 299 00:15:45,427 --> 00:15:49,107 Speaker 4: few years away that we are thinking about that. More importantly, 300 00:15:49,307 --> 00:15:53,867 Speaker 4: we're thinking about how is this team this competition optimized 301 00:15:53,867 --> 00:15:56,307 Speaker 4: and working well. And I think you know, we're four 302 00:15:56,387 --> 00:16:02,027 Speaker 4: rounds into eleven team competition, so you know, it's still 303 00:16:02,147 --> 00:16:05,707 Speaker 4: very early days on what does that actually deliver. Clearly 304 00:16:05,747 --> 00:16:10,307 Speaker 4: you've seen the depth benefit for the Australian teams, there's 305 00:16:10,347 --> 00:16:13,027 Speaker 4: also other things like you know, more buyers, Does that help? 306 00:16:13,067 --> 00:16:15,507 Speaker 4: Does that hinder? So there's still a lot of learnings 307 00:16:15,547 --> 00:16:18,867 Speaker 4: for us to take place with with eleven team competition. 308 00:16:18,907 --> 00:16:21,987 Speaker 4: As we think about next year with an eleven team competition, 309 00:16:22,067 --> 00:16:25,867 Speaker 4: how we optimize the fixture to drive greater outcomes for 310 00:16:25,947 --> 00:16:29,027 Speaker 4: our clubs and for our stakeholder and for fans. That's 311 00:16:29,427 --> 00:16:30,587 Speaker 4: that's our immediate focus. 312 00:16:30,987 --> 00:16:33,307 Speaker 2: Okay, so we can say that there won't be an 313 00:16:33,387 --> 00:16:37,467 Speaker 2: extra team added in twenty twenty six, correct look forward 314 00:16:37,507 --> 00:16:39,707 Speaker 2: to seeing progress. There A couple more for you, Jack 315 00:16:39,707 --> 00:16:41,147 Speaker 2: and I. You got to get away how much engagement 316 00:16:41,147 --> 00:16:42,867 Speaker 2: you're getting from Fantasy Super Rugby. 317 00:16:43,667 --> 00:16:47,187 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's been incredible. I think we're about sixty five 318 00:16:47,267 --> 00:16:50,267 Speaker 4: thousand participants. I heard a stat the other day that 319 00:16:50,267 --> 00:16:54,427 Speaker 4: said I think there's been a million transfers, so you know, 320 00:16:54,587 --> 00:16:59,987 Speaker 4: really encouraging that we're seeing that repeat, repeat engagement throughout 321 00:17:00,107 --> 00:17:04,267 Speaker 4: throughout the rounds. And yeah, so beyond that, you know, 322 00:17:04,547 --> 00:17:07,707 Speaker 4: you can see it's just you know that everyone's talking 323 00:17:07,707 --> 00:17:10,107 Speaker 4: about it where they're in broadcast, whether the shoulder content, 324 00:17:10,107 --> 00:17:12,387 Speaker 4: whether you guys, I was in I was in your 325 00:17:12,427 --> 00:17:15,947 Speaker 4: building here the other just yesterday doing an interview with Chris, 326 00:17:15,987 --> 00:17:19,027 Speaker 4: and I could see the screens of some of the 327 00:17:19,427 --> 00:17:23,107 Speaker 4: of the employees just fiddling up there with their fantasy teams, 328 00:17:23,427 --> 00:17:27,067 Speaker 4: which was great to see. So that's that's one that's fantastic. 329 00:17:27,107 --> 00:17:30,147 Speaker 4: You know, we're really pleased with that. I think what's 330 00:17:31,147 --> 00:17:35,307 Speaker 4: you know, the secondary benefit is, you know, people are 331 00:17:35,387 --> 00:17:40,147 Speaker 4: learning more about other teams, other other other players, and 332 00:17:40,227 --> 00:17:42,947 Speaker 4: people are then switching on to to see those other 333 00:17:43,027 --> 00:17:46,627 Speaker 4: games to see how how they might how they might go, 334 00:17:46,747 --> 00:17:50,547 Speaker 4: and that's exactly what we want. And then the other 335 00:17:50,627 --> 00:17:53,707 Speaker 4: part is what we're seeing is that there's a whole 336 00:17:53,707 --> 00:17:57,307 Speaker 4: lot of people that haven't been engaging with Super Rugby 337 00:17:57,307 --> 00:18:01,267 Speaker 4: Pacific comeing, so you can see people as they sign up, 338 00:18:01,307 --> 00:18:04,627 Speaker 4: we're getting you know, a whole lot of a whole 339 00:18:04,627 --> 00:18:07,067 Speaker 4: lot of people from you know, a school for example, 340 00:18:07,067 --> 00:18:09,587 Speaker 4: that one person's got on it and then spreading that, 341 00:18:09,747 --> 00:18:13,507 Speaker 4: and you absolutely, we're unashamedly saying that we do have 342 00:18:13,587 --> 00:18:18,387 Speaker 4: a strategic intent to drive engagement with a younger audience 343 00:18:18,427 --> 00:18:22,027 Speaker 4: that haven't necessarily engaged with Super Ubi Pacific before and 344 00:18:22,387 --> 00:18:23,987 Speaker 4: this is obviously helping us do that. 345 00:18:24,667 --> 00:18:28,027 Speaker 2: All right, And are you expecting another upset tonight when 346 00:18:28,027 --> 00:18:29,707 Speaker 2: you watch more One a Pacific a take on My 347 00:18:29,827 --> 00:18:32,947 Speaker 2: Hurricanes at Albany Stadium, Jack. 348 00:18:33,227 --> 00:18:36,787 Speaker 4: Well, firstly, I can't wait to go out there because, 349 00:18:36,987 --> 00:18:39,267 Speaker 4: you know, last week just looked so good. I thought, 350 00:18:40,347 --> 00:18:43,827 Speaker 4: see Ce more on a Pacific as whole proposition come 351 00:18:43,867 --> 00:18:48,147 Speaker 4: to life, you know, hearing hearing the crowd singing hymns 352 00:18:48,187 --> 00:18:51,627 Speaker 4: in those last couple of minutes to help help them 353 00:18:51,627 --> 00:18:54,427 Speaker 4: get over the line, which unfortunately they couldn't do. They've 354 00:18:54,467 --> 00:18:57,787 Speaker 4: had three such close matches, so my heart goes out 355 00:18:57,827 --> 00:19:01,547 Speaker 4: to mp who have who have just been so unlucky. 356 00:19:02,547 --> 00:19:05,147 Speaker 4: But the Canes have been good, I think, So it's 357 00:19:05,187 --> 00:19:08,147 Speaker 4: going to be a tight one again. Seeing already come 358 00:19:08,227 --> 00:19:10,867 Speaker 4: up against his old club is going to be really interesting. 359 00:19:11,867 --> 00:19:15,587 Speaker 4: No doubt there'll be a few Canes players trying to 360 00:19:15,667 --> 00:19:19,107 Speaker 4: nullify him, but you know he's a hard man to nullify, isn't. 361 00:19:18,907 --> 00:19:22,267 Speaker 2: He Indeed, indeed that's what that's what's worrying me. That 362 00:19:22,427 --> 00:19:24,387 Speaker 2: is well, one of the things that's worrying me. Jack. 363 00:19:24,467 --> 00:19:27,427 Speaker 2: Great to get the chance to have a long chat 364 00:19:27,427 --> 00:19:29,387 Speaker 2: with you about the competition. Look, it's going great. I 365 00:19:29,427 --> 00:19:32,187 Speaker 2: think by every metric that you've mentioned, you know, things 366 00:19:32,187 --> 00:19:34,547 Speaker 2: are going well. It's very watchable, a lot of people 367 00:19:34,547 --> 00:19:36,547 Speaker 2: are watching it, the players are clearly enjoying it. Thanks 368 00:19:36,587 --> 00:19:38,267 Speaker 2: for stopping him for a chat, mate, and enjoy the 369 00:19:38,307 --> 00:19:40,147 Speaker 2: rest of you. Stay in New Zealand and we'll catch 370 00:19:40,187 --> 00:19:41,267 Speaker 2: up again soon anytime. 371 00:19:41,267 --> 00:19:43,307 Speaker 4: Thanks for having me, bonnyh. 372 00:19:42,667 --> 00:19:44,947 Speaker 2: Good on you, mate. That's Jack Measley, CEO of Super 373 00:19:45,027 --> 00:19:48,427 Speaker 2: Rugby Pacific, joining us here on News Talks EDB and 374 00:19:48,667 --> 00:19:49,747 Speaker 2: Weekend Sports. 375 00:19:50,347 --> 00:19:53,547 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live 376 00:19:53,627 --> 00:19:57,027 Speaker 1: to News Talks EDB weekends from midday, or follow the 377 00:19:57,067 --> 00:19:58,587 Speaker 1: podcast on iHeartRadio.