1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,547 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 Newstalk ZEDB. 3 00:00:12,787 --> 00:00:16,307 Speaker 2: Mark Robinson is about to leave New Zealand Rugby, having 4 00:00:16,347 --> 00:00:20,147 Speaker 2: taken on the role of CEO in January of twenty twenty. 5 00:00:20,307 --> 00:00:22,587 Speaker 2: He'll leave at the end of this month after six 6 00:00:22,667 --> 00:00:26,747 Speaker 2: years in charge, so for probably the last time, certainly 7 00:00:26,787 --> 00:00:29,147 Speaker 2: in this role. It's a pleasure to welcome Mark Robinson 8 00:00:29,227 --> 00:00:32,387 Speaker 2: into Weekend Sport. Mark, thanks for taking the time after 9 00:00:32,427 --> 00:00:35,667 Speaker 2: you made the call to resign mid year. How long 10 00:00:35,707 --> 00:00:38,987 Speaker 2: did it take you to find peace with that decision? 11 00:00:40,307 --> 00:00:43,347 Speaker 3: Oh, look, I think I was very at peace of it, 12 00:00:43,427 --> 00:00:48,387 Speaker 3: you know at the time. Pioneer obviously put a bit 13 00:00:48,387 --> 00:00:51,907 Speaker 3: of thought into it, and you know, my family will 14 00:00:51,947 --> 00:00:56,907 Speaker 3: on the show at the time, and it became pretty 15 00:00:56,987 --> 00:01:01,587 Speaker 3: pretty clear decision for me back in May June, I 16 00:01:01,587 --> 00:01:03,107 Speaker 3: think it was. It seems a long time ago now. 17 00:01:03,147 --> 00:01:04,627 Speaker 3: I always thought i'd have a lot more time to 18 00:01:06,067 --> 00:01:09,867 Speaker 3: rep few things up and say a few farewells in that, 19 00:01:09,907 --> 00:01:12,227 Speaker 3: but it's certainly I'm rolled around quite quickly, and I 20 00:01:12,267 --> 00:01:14,667 Speaker 3: guess the other things sitting in at the two, you know, 21 00:01:14,707 --> 00:01:18,387 Speaker 3: the couple of major workstreams that I talked about at 22 00:01:18,387 --> 00:01:21,947 Speaker 3: the time around the international calendar, which we've which I've 23 00:01:21,987 --> 00:01:23,987 Speaker 3: signed off all the all the major competitions I was 24 00:01:24,027 --> 00:01:26,667 Speaker 3: talking about probably for the last few years have have 25 00:01:26,787 --> 00:01:29,947 Speaker 3: come to fruition, which we're extremely excited about. And the 26 00:01:29,987 --> 00:01:32,667 Speaker 3: other thing was the sort of reset of the financial 27 00:01:32,667 --> 00:01:34,907 Speaker 3: model in New Zealand, which we're getting very close to 28 00:01:34,947 --> 00:01:37,267 Speaker 3: as well. So you know, all those things weighed up 29 00:01:37,267 --> 00:01:40,747 Speaker 3: together between the things had left to take off my 30 00:01:40,787 --> 00:01:43,667 Speaker 3: own mind along with family, and it's it's it's great. 31 00:01:43,667 --> 00:01:44,947 Speaker 3: I'm really looking forward to the next step. 32 00:01:45,507 --> 00:01:47,067 Speaker 2: Well, can we go back to the start. You were 33 00:01:47,107 --> 00:01:50,067 Speaker 2: probably given a few hospital passes by your midfield partners 34 00:01:50,147 --> 00:01:53,347 Speaker 2: during your time on the field. How much of a 35 00:01:53,387 --> 00:01:57,147 Speaker 2: hospital pass was taking this role just as COVID hit. 36 00:01:59,227 --> 00:02:01,467 Speaker 3: Well, look, there's no doubt it was by far the 37 00:02:01,507 --> 00:02:06,307 Speaker 3: most challenging thing that i'd either can and can person. 38 00:02:06,467 --> 00:02:09,907 Speaker 3: But I think if you step back, it was probably 39 00:02:09,907 --> 00:02:12,867 Speaker 3: the most challenging thing rugged ever encountered sport for that matter, 40 00:02:12,867 --> 00:02:17,147 Speaker 3: and then the whole sort of you know, entertainment and 41 00:02:17,187 --> 00:02:19,387 Speaker 3: sports industry as well as you know, for that matter 42 00:02:19,387 --> 00:02:22,547 Speaker 3: of the country. When when you think about it, so look, 43 00:02:22,587 --> 00:02:24,267 Speaker 3: I don't you know, talking to a lot of sort 44 00:02:24,267 --> 00:02:27,547 Speaker 3: of colleagues and leadership roles at that time and over 45 00:02:27,547 --> 00:02:29,907 Speaker 3: the last few years. Is no doubt that it's by 46 00:02:29,947 --> 00:02:32,547 Speaker 3: far one of the most challenging things to to ever 47 00:02:33,827 --> 00:02:35,987 Speaker 3: you know, hit leaders I think in this country. And 48 00:02:36,387 --> 00:02:38,427 Speaker 3: you know, as I look back, I'm really proud with 49 00:02:38,467 --> 00:02:42,067 Speaker 3: how we came through that these you know, I don't 50 00:02:42,067 --> 00:02:43,827 Speaker 3: think people can appreciate the things we were sort of 51 00:02:43,867 --> 00:02:46,467 Speaker 3: weighing up and having to consider on a daily basis 52 00:02:46,507 --> 00:02:49,387 Speaker 3: across those sort of two two and a half years, 53 00:02:49,387 --> 00:02:51,627 Speaker 3: and you know, we've come out the other side of it, 54 00:02:51,667 --> 00:02:54,987 Speaker 3: and you know, I hope, I'm sure that new leadership 55 00:02:55,027 --> 00:02:58,587 Speaker 3: coming into to the role will very much be focused 56 00:02:58,627 --> 00:03:00,187 Speaker 3: on going forward. But yeah, it was a tough time. 57 00:03:00,787 --> 00:03:04,227 Speaker 2: What stands out most when you reflect on your nearly 58 00:03:04,307 --> 00:03:09,307 Speaker 2: six years in this role, I've. 59 00:03:09,187 --> 00:03:15,147 Speaker 3: Been massively proud to be in the role and extremely privileged. 60 00:03:15,227 --> 00:03:17,387 Speaker 3: I you know, as fortunate as you said, to play 61 00:03:17,427 --> 00:03:20,147 Speaker 3: the game and represent the all Blacks, and I think 62 00:03:20,427 --> 00:03:24,387 Speaker 3: you probably playing the game nothing ever surpasses that, but 63 00:03:24,427 --> 00:03:27,027 Speaker 3: certainly this role is right up there is something that's 64 00:03:27,067 --> 00:03:31,387 Speaker 3: been very special to me. And you know, there are 65 00:03:31,387 --> 00:03:34,507 Speaker 3: a number of things around achievements that I'm proud of. 66 00:03:34,507 --> 00:03:36,507 Speaker 3: There's a number of things in terms of challenges I'll 67 00:03:37,147 --> 00:03:42,347 Speaker 3: reflect on, but every day throws up, you know, incredible opportunities, 68 00:03:42,547 --> 00:03:48,827 Speaker 3: be it receiving you know, notes or messages from people 69 00:03:48,867 --> 00:03:51,347 Speaker 3: across the community game that are doing certain things and 70 00:03:51,387 --> 00:03:54,027 Speaker 3: are wanting to make you aware of. Seeing things on 71 00:03:54,067 --> 00:03:57,907 Speaker 3: the international stage that both associated with our teams, but 72 00:03:57,987 --> 00:04:01,987 Speaker 3: also you know, international colleagues around around the world and 73 00:04:01,987 --> 00:04:04,467 Speaker 3: working with them, we've driven you know, a huge amount 74 00:04:04,507 --> 00:04:07,867 Speaker 3: of growth and revenue across the six years, especially coming 75 00:04:07,907 --> 00:04:09,747 Speaker 3: out of COVID in the last three or four years, 76 00:04:10,267 --> 00:04:12,267 Speaker 3: you know, over over one hundred million dollar gross and 77 00:04:12,347 --> 00:04:14,707 Speaker 3: revenue per year. So these some amazing partners we've got 78 00:04:14,707 --> 00:04:18,867 Speaker 3: around the world, which you know, we're grateful for their support, 79 00:04:18,867 --> 00:04:21,667 Speaker 3: but we've also made some incredible friendships. So I think 80 00:04:21,707 --> 00:04:23,667 Speaker 3: they asked me to sum up, there'd be two things. 81 00:04:23,667 --> 00:04:25,547 Speaker 3: Probably one one is the people we get to work 82 00:04:25,587 --> 00:04:29,387 Speaker 3: with on a daily basis. You know, we're really fortunate 83 00:04:29,387 --> 00:04:31,827 Speaker 3: in the sport that we love and it's highly scrutinized. 84 00:04:31,827 --> 00:04:33,227 Speaker 3: There's a lot of pressure, as you know, but the 85 00:04:33,267 --> 00:04:36,507 Speaker 3: people buying larger, fantastic people to work was right across 86 00:04:36,507 --> 00:04:39,187 Speaker 3: all levels of the game. And I think the other 87 00:04:39,187 --> 00:04:41,307 Speaker 3: thing we've tried really hard at and you know, I've 88 00:04:41,307 --> 00:04:43,147 Speaker 3: got some success out of them, is the focus we've 89 00:04:43,187 --> 00:04:46,027 Speaker 3: had on on the fans and working really hard with 90 00:04:46,067 --> 00:04:48,347 Speaker 3: our products and competition product on the field, I mean, 91 00:04:48,387 --> 00:04:53,107 Speaker 3: and competitions and our participants, you know, the players at 92 00:04:53,107 --> 00:04:57,107 Speaker 3: community level. We've worked really hard at community and professional 93 00:04:57,147 --> 00:04:59,987 Speaker 3: level to tailor a game that players can really engage 94 00:05:00,027 --> 00:05:01,947 Speaker 3: in and want to be part of. So so that some 95 00:05:01,987 --> 00:05:04,627 Speaker 3: of the reflections I guess over the last few years. 96 00:05:04,507 --> 00:05:07,467 Speaker 2: Ponty, how much of the role of New Zealand Rugby 97 00:05:07,507 --> 00:05:10,387 Speaker 2: CEO in the modern day Mark has to have a 98 00:05:10,427 --> 00:05:13,187 Speaker 2: global focus. 99 00:05:14,187 --> 00:05:16,667 Speaker 3: Oh, in my opinion it's it's a massive part of 100 00:05:16,707 --> 00:05:19,147 Speaker 3: the role, and I think on reflection it's something that 101 00:05:19,587 --> 00:05:22,547 Speaker 3: I'm not sure if people in New Zealand and our 102 00:05:23,027 --> 00:05:26,827 Speaker 3: stakeholders really appreciate. You know, when I when I came 103 00:05:26,867 --> 00:05:31,267 Speaker 3: into the role, domestic revenue out of New Zealand probably 104 00:05:31,267 --> 00:05:36,067 Speaker 3: accounted for between seventeen eighty percent, maybe more, of all 105 00:05:36,107 --> 00:05:40,547 Speaker 3: our revenue. Now, you know, the revenue from rest the 106 00:05:40,587 --> 00:05:43,267 Speaker 3: world outside of New Zealand is probably close to that. 107 00:05:43,347 --> 00:05:46,707 Speaker 3: You know, it's probably sixty or seventy percent. And you 108 00:05:46,747 --> 00:05:48,507 Speaker 3: know this, this comes back to some of the thesis 109 00:05:48,547 --> 00:05:52,387 Speaker 3: that supported the approach to have an investment partner like 110 00:05:52,427 --> 00:05:56,027 Speaker 3: Silverlake and the organization was that, you know, I quickly 111 00:05:56,067 --> 00:06:00,027 Speaker 3: realized that we couldn't sustain the future revenue growth to 112 00:06:00,067 --> 00:06:01,987 Speaker 3: support investment in all levels of the game that we 113 00:06:02,027 --> 00:06:05,347 Speaker 3: wanted to if we were going to sustain having all 114 00:06:05,387 --> 00:06:07,227 Speaker 3: of our best players playing New Zealand or a vast 115 00:06:07,307 --> 00:06:09,507 Speaker 3: majority invest in the community game to the level we 116 00:06:09,547 --> 00:06:13,867 Speaker 3: wanted invest into safety and things are really critical to 117 00:06:13,947 --> 00:06:17,227 Speaker 3: the game, unless we took a different approach to broaden 118 00:06:17,267 --> 00:06:19,387 Speaker 3: out of our fan base and drive you know, a 119 00:06:19,387 --> 00:06:22,307 Speaker 3: lot of revenue off the back of that. And so 120 00:06:22,707 --> 00:06:27,027 Speaker 3: in that time, you know, sponsorship's gone from circa fifty 121 00:06:27,027 --> 00:06:30,467 Speaker 3: million dollars peranum to I think it's around one hundred 122 00:06:30,467 --> 00:06:32,627 Speaker 3: and thirty million dollars, you know, across that time, and 123 00:06:32,627 --> 00:06:36,747 Speaker 3: it's by and large being supported massively by some fantastic partners. 124 00:06:36,787 --> 00:06:40,747 Speaker 3: On the international stage Japan, we've spent a lot of time, 125 00:06:40,947 --> 00:06:44,467 Speaker 3: as you're aware, of growing a memorand of understanding there, 126 00:06:44,707 --> 00:06:49,907 Speaker 3: which has benefited our activity on the field. But we've 127 00:06:49,947 --> 00:06:53,307 Speaker 3: now got sort of four or five major global partners 128 00:06:53,347 --> 00:06:55,947 Speaker 3: out of that. At the US, we're obviously spending more 129 00:06:55,947 --> 00:06:59,147 Speaker 3: time than now. It's a little less developed in the 130 00:06:59,147 --> 00:07:01,347 Speaker 3: partnership that's in Japan, but it certainly you know, we 131 00:07:01,347 --> 00:07:05,107 Speaker 3: saw in Chicago that was a huge match day revenue 132 00:07:05,787 --> 00:07:09,507 Speaker 3: Game four US, and it's clear there will be partnership 133 00:07:09,547 --> 00:07:11,827 Speaker 3: opportunities in the States emerging. We spend a lot of 134 00:07:11,827 --> 00:07:18,867 Speaker 3: time during that week with partners, potential partners on media outlets, 135 00:07:18,867 --> 00:07:23,787 Speaker 3: content collaboration with a whole lot of major sports franchises 136 00:07:23,827 --> 00:07:28,907 Speaker 3: across basketball, baseball, football, hockey, so you know, I could 137 00:07:28,947 --> 00:07:30,787 Speaker 3: go on. Obviously, Europe and UK is a bit more 138 00:07:30,827 --> 00:07:34,227 Speaker 3: of a traditional rugby market, so that has been slightly 139 00:07:35,027 --> 00:07:39,307 Speaker 3: we're not as difficult to work into to create partnerships. 140 00:07:39,467 --> 00:07:43,067 Speaker 3: But yeah, I think it's absolutely fundamental, and that's not 141 00:07:43,227 --> 00:07:47,027 Speaker 3: rarely even considering the work with World Rugby. If we 142 00:07:47,067 --> 00:07:48,907 Speaker 3: want to continue to sort of advocate for the kind 143 00:07:48,907 --> 00:07:51,707 Speaker 3: of game we want to see, which is an entertaining 144 00:07:51,747 --> 00:07:58,227 Speaker 3: one with less stoppages and less interventions you know, from officials, 145 00:07:58,587 --> 00:08:01,107 Speaker 3: and more spectacular moments, and that takes a lot of work. 146 00:08:01,107 --> 00:08:04,507 Speaker 3: On the international stage. We're not like other codes closer 147 00:08:04,547 --> 00:08:07,747 Speaker 3: to home that can actually domestic focused. You can make 148 00:08:07,827 --> 00:08:10,267 Speaker 3: changes like that, you know, immediately in the space of 149 00:08:10,347 --> 00:08:15,067 Speaker 3: a few days. So yeah, I just think it's something 150 00:08:15,107 --> 00:08:18,147 Speaker 3: that's absolutely pivotal to the game now in New Zealand, 151 00:08:18,187 --> 00:08:21,307 Speaker 3: and I think at any given time outside of COVID, 152 00:08:21,307 --> 00:08:25,627 Speaker 3: I spent between twelve fourteen out to twenty weeks a 153 00:08:25,707 --> 00:08:29,387 Speaker 3: year overseas, and you know, that was a lot of 154 00:08:29,427 --> 00:08:32,387 Speaker 3: time away from Samy obviously and staff and people. But 155 00:08:32,507 --> 00:08:35,467 Speaker 3: the gains from that, I think are starting to become 156 00:08:36,227 --> 00:08:38,187 Speaker 3: more and more clearly seen when we reflect on some 157 00:08:38,227 --> 00:08:39,587 Speaker 3: of the numbers I just shared with in some of 158 00:08:39,627 --> 00:08:42,467 Speaker 3: the partnerships we have in this role. 159 00:08:43,147 --> 00:08:47,227 Speaker 2: You will never ever please everyone, and if anything goes 160 00:08:47,227 --> 00:08:49,027 Speaker 2: wrong in the game of rugby and New Zealand, from 161 00:08:49,027 --> 00:08:52,267 Speaker 2: grassroots to MPC to the All Blacks, it's somehow your fault. 162 00:08:52,827 --> 00:08:56,787 Speaker 2: How have you dealt with the constant critique and criticism 163 00:08:57,547 --> 00:08:58,947 Speaker 2: that comes your way in this role. 164 00:09:00,867 --> 00:09:02,947 Speaker 3: I think early on, you know, it was something that 165 00:09:02,947 --> 00:09:08,027 Speaker 3: you find quite challenging at times, But I think in 166 00:09:08,067 --> 00:09:10,987 Speaker 3: the last sort of four years, maybe four to five 167 00:09:11,067 --> 00:09:13,547 Speaker 3: years even you know, probably a first one or two 168 00:09:13,587 --> 00:09:15,347 Speaker 3: years it took me to world to work this out 169 00:09:15,387 --> 00:09:19,787 Speaker 3: that I became really clear and with our team, we 170 00:09:19,907 --> 00:09:24,027 Speaker 3: became clear on where we made you know, a genuine 171 00:09:24,027 --> 00:09:25,987 Speaker 3: era or got something wrong and we had to accept 172 00:09:26,027 --> 00:09:29,067 Speaker 3: that and own it and you know, learn from it 173 00:09:29,107 --> 00:09:30,587 Speaker 3: quickly and move on. And then there are a whole 174 00:09:30,627 --> 00:09:32,347 Speaker 3: lot of things tiny that I just knew we were 175 00:09:32,387 --> 00:09:36,187 Speaker 3: on the right path or knew the right decisions, so 176 00:09:36,387 --> 00:09:38,547 Speaker 3: they either lined up with strategy or they lined up 177 00:09:38,547 --> 00:09:42,107 Speaker 3: with a lot of the information you know, we were 178 00:09:42,307 --> 00:09:45,027 Speaker 3: receiving or seeing that allowed us to make the decisions 179 00:09:45,027 --> 00:09:47,467 Speaker 3: that you know, a lot of the times. Unfortunately we 180 00:09:47,507 --> 00:09:52,227 Speaker 3: can't share you know, that information publicly in certain circumstances, 181 00:09:52,267 --> 00:09:55,267 Speaker 3: so you just have to, you know, accept that, Yeah, 182 00:09:55,627 --> 00:09:59,307 Speaker 3: if something goes wrong and you've got it wrong, he's 183 00:09:59,307 --> 00:10:01,467 Speaker 3: been an error of judgment or wherever it may be, 184 00:10:01,707 --> 00:10:04,547 Speaker 3: that you deserve, you know, some criticism and scrtainy. That's 185 00:10:04,587 --> 00:10:08,347 Speaker 3: the part of either wrong. And people you know have 186 00:10:08,387 --> 00:10:11,027 Speaker 3: a huge amount of ownership and investment in rugby in 187 00:10:11,067 --> 00:10:13,267 Speaker 3: New Zealand, and that's why it should be, you know. 188 00:10:13,387 --> 00:10:14,987 Speaker 3: But there are a lot of occasions where I was 189 00:10:15,027 --> 00:10:18,587 Speaker 3: really comfortable with decisions we were making and just had 190 00:10:18,587 --> 00:10:19,507 Speaker 3: to keep going with them. 191 00:10:19,907 --> 00:10:22,627 Speaker 2: If you had your time again, what would you have 192 00:10:22,707 --> 00:10:23,387 Speaker 2: done differently? 193 00:10:25,707 --> 00:10:28,507 Speaker 3: Oh, it's a big question that point. I mean, I 194 00:10:28,787 --> 00:10:33,707 Speaker 3: don't think. I think in terms of outcomes, you know, 195 00:10:33,747 --> 00:10:36,787 Speaker 3: there wouldn't be there wouldn't be too much. I you know, 196 00:10:37,227 --> 00:10:40,787 Speaker 3: with the with the circumstances we were experiments at the 197 00:10:40,787 --> 00:10:45,827 Speaker 3: time and what we were dealing with in terms of 198 00:10:45,867 --> 00:10:48,707 Speaker 3: major strategic decisions. You know, I think we've got a 199 00:10:48,747 --> 00:10:51,107 Speaker 3: lot of those things right. There were certainly things in 200 00:10:51,187 --> 00:10:54,747 Speaker 3: processes when you're dealing with the scrutiny we are and 201 00:10:55,347 --> 00:10:59,667 Speaker 3: really complex stakeholder base at times that you might do 202 00:10:59,827 --> 00:11:03,347 Speaker 3: things differently around you know, processes, and we had a 203 00:11:03,387 --> 00:11:06,947 Speaker 3: lot of learning, especially in COVID around sort of thing. 204 00:11:08,467 --> 00:11:10,067 Speaker 3: But when I you know, when I step back and 205 00:11:10,107 --> 00:11:12,387 Speaker 3: I look at like I say, the revenue growth, I 206 00:11:12,387 --> 00:11:14,627 Speaker 3: believe it invests so much more and the whole range 207 00:11:14,627 --> 00:11:17,267 Speaker 3: of areas important to the game. You know, we've we've 208 00:11:17,307 --> 00:11:20,427 Speaker 3: clearly got some things right there. There's some things and 209 00:11:20,667 --> 00:11:22,147 Speaker 3: you know them as well as I that were highly 210 00:11:22,147 --> 00:11:24,827 Speaker 3: scrutinized at the time. But like I said, one largely 211 00:11:24,907 --> 00:11:27,467 Speaker 3: outcomes I'm very comfortable with. Would be some things in 212 00:11:27,507 --> 00:11:28,787 Speaker 3: processes may be a little different. 213 00:11:28,987 --> 00:11:32,507 Speaker 2: Yeah, you're talking, I presume about the All Blacks coaching 214 00:11:33,027 --> 00:11:35,867 Speaker 2: change that you oversaw. How do you reflect on that now? 215 00:11:37,307 --> 00:11:41,507 Speaker 3: Well, I've said recently, I've been asked about this recently publicly. 216 00:11:41,547 --> 00:11:44,627 Speaker 3: I'm very comfortable you know that it wasn't actually one 217 00:11:44,667 --> 00:11:47,667 Speaker 3: of the things I was, Well, it was one. There's 218 00:11:47,667 --> 00:11:50,067 Speaker 3: probably three or four, I guess over the time Pioneer 219 00:11:50,587 --> 00:11:55,187 Speaker 3: were major decisions for the game. And on that basis, 220 00:11:55,227 --> 00:11:58,107 Speaker 3: I reflect on a really transformational time of the game, 221 00:11:58,267 --> 00:12:01,067 Speaker 3: you know in some regards. So it's being a privilege 222 00:12:01,107 --> 00:12:06,227 Speaker 3: being part of that. But the All Blacks coach changed, 223 00:12:06,907 --> 00:12:08,787 Speaker 3: As I said, it's one of the situations where we've 224 00:12:08,787 --> 00:12:13,467 Speaker 3: got all the information coming to us. We were across 225 00:12:13,627 --> 00:12:16,707 Speaker 3: you know, campaign to campaign review from players and management. 226 00:12:18,347 --> 00:12:20,507 Speaker 3: We knew exactly what we were dealing with. We knew 227 00:12:20,507 --> 00:12:22,707 Speaker 3: what we were dealing with, you know, in terms of 228 00:12:22,707 --> 00:12:26,067 Speaker 3: scenarios of post twenty three. So I'm very comfortable with that. 229 00:12:26,467 --> 00:12:28,587 Speaker 2: Would you like the All Blacks to be slightly further 230 00:12:28,667 --> 00:12:31,427 Speaker 2: ahead on a trajectory arc two years af from a 231 00:12:31,467 --> 00:12:32,467 Speaker 2: World Cup than they are? 232 00:12:35,107 --> 00:12:37,067 Speaker 3: Always we always want, you know, the best of the 233 00:12:37,067 --> 00:12:41,467 Speaker 3: All Blacks, and we always want, you know, more from them, 234 00:12:41,467 --> 00:12:44,467 Speaker 3: and we have high expectations, don't we. So you know, 235 00:12:44,507 --> 00:12:46,867 Speaker 3: I think you know, raisers reflected on this so of 236 00:12:46,907 --> 00:12:54,187 Speaker 3: the senior players that they certainly a desire to understand, 237 00:12:54,787 --> 00:12:58,267 Speaker 3: you know, the periods of inconsistency we're having and learned 238 00:12:58,347 --> 00:13:01,507 Speaker 3: to understand what is that happening and to try and 239 00:13:01,547 --> 00:13:04,627 Speaker 3: put that right. Look, there are some really good signs 240 00:13:04,627 --> 00:13:06,147 Speaker 3: that come out of aspects of the game. There's some 241 00:13:06,187 --> 00:13:09,547 Speaker 3: things there to say that a little bit a little 242 00:13:09,587 --> 00:13:12,467 Speaker 3: bit frustrating at the moment, but I'm sure, you know, 243 00:13:12,627 --> 00:13:14,987 Speaker 3: be a great review undertaken over the next sort of 244 00:13:15,427 --> 00:13:18,107 Speaker 3: four to six weeks and hopefully some of the things 245 00:13:18,147 --> 00:13:20,107 Speaker 3: we're looking for in terms of answers to those questions 246 00:13:20,147 --> 00:13:20,707 Speaker 3: will come through. 247 00:13:21,627 --> 00:13:24,907 Speaker 2: Do you leave New Zealand rugby in a better place 248 00:13:24,947 --> 00:13:25,627 Speaker 2: than you found it? 249 00:13:27,347 --> 00:13:29,347 Speaker 3: Look, I think so with all the context that we 250 00:13:29,587 --> 00:13:32,627 Speaker 3: you know, talk about, and if you look at where 251 00:13:32,627 --> 00:13:34,747 Speaker 3: the world's gone, if you look at rugby unions around 252 00:13:34,747 --> 00:13:39,107 Speaker 3: the world, and for that matter, sporting organizations around the world, 253 00:13:39,147 --> 00:13:44,587 Speaker 3: and provide some context here around you know, some of 254 00:13:44,627 --> 00:13:48,747 Speaker 3: the challenges that that rugby faces. I feel incredibly proud 255 00:13:48,747 --> 00:13:51,067 Speaker 3: of loads of things that we've done, some things that 256 00:13:51,107 --> 00:13:53,587 Speaker 3: people you know, are aware of, and a lot of 257 00:13:53,627 --> 00:13:55,747 Speaker 3: things behind the scenes they might not be so aware of. 258 00:13:55,827 --> 00:13:58,347 Speaker 3: So so yeah, I'm really comfortable if you ask me 259 00:13:58,387 --> 00:14:01,947 Speaker 3: at the start, you know, being at peace. I certainly 260 00:14:01,947 --> 00:14:04,307 Speaker 3: am with regards to that question and really proud of 261 00:14:04,307 --> 00:14:05,227 Speaker 3: a lot of things we've done. 262 00:14:05,587 --> 00:14:09,427 Speaker 4: Do you think you're miss There were some things I 263 00:14:09,547 --> 00:14:11,707 Speaker 4: probably will and there was some things I definitely want, 264 00:14:13,067 --> 00:14:14,867 Speaker 4: which is a good sign, you know, in terms of 265 00:14:15,587 --> 00:14:17,187 Speaker 4: being ready to move on. 266 00:14:17,267 --> 00:14:19,787 Speaker 3: You know, it's a job that you've got to be 267 00:14:19,987 --> 00:14:23,147 Speaker 3: fully invested in and engaged and it's it's definitely twenty 268 00:14:23,187 --> 00:14:26,267 Speaker 3: four to seven and I've loved it, you know, I've 269 00:14:26,307 --> 00:14:29,987 Speaker 3: absolutely loved it. But look, I'm at at a different 270 00:14:29,987 --> 00:14:32,707 Speaker 3: stage in my career now, these different opportunities ahead, and 271 00:14:32,747 --> 00:14:36,147 Speaker 3: there's different considerations with families, so it's the right time 272 00:14:36,187 --> 00:14:38,747 Speaker 3: for me to move on and pass to the to 273 00:14:38,787 --> 00:14:42,187 Speaker 3: the next person. But there are some things you just 274 00:14:43,067 --> 00:14:46,107 Speaker 3: you know, you just probably well I won't be able 275 00:14:46,107 --> 00:14:50,187 Speaker 3: to replicate in future roles that come with being CEO 276 00:14:50,347 --> 00:14:53,427 Speaker 3: us In and Rugby. You know, some things that is 277 00:14:53,427 --> 00:14:55,907 Speaker 3: a huge amount of pride being part of and a 278 00:14:55,947 --> 00:15:00,907 Speaker 3: huge amount of situations I've been in which are very 279 00:15:01,027 --> 00:15:02,867 Speaker 3: very unique and specially to be part of. 280 00:15:03,387 --> 00:15:05,347 Speaker 2: Why haven't they been able to why haven't they been 281 00:15:05,347 --> 00:15:06,347 Speaker 2: able to find your success? 282 00:15:08,107 --> 00:15:10,147 Speaker 3: I've told you loads of times, Piney, this has nothing 283 00:15:10,147 --> 00:15:15,507 Speaker 3: to do with me. It's a board, it's a boord appointment, 284 00:15:15,547 --> 00:15:20,667 Speaker 3: and yes, like I am. Yeah, I obviously had a 285 00:15:20,707 --> 00:15:24,867 Speaker 3: couple of conversations early on. She had some insights from 286 00:15:24,867 --> 00:15:28,467 Speaker 3: from my perspective, but that was many months ago now 287 00:15:28,507 --> 00:15:31,587 Speaker 3: and largely it's been with the board to work through 288 00:15:31,627 --> 00:15:34,587 Speaker 3: and I I've got no doubt they're running a really 289 00:15:35,547 --> 00:15:39,547 Speaker 3: robust process and I get you know, the decision right obviously, 290 00:15:39,587 --> 00:15:41,787 Speaker 3: so they're taking the time they need, but hopefully that 291 00:15:41,867 --> 00:15:43,267 Speaker 3: can be tidy up soon. 292 00:15:43,907 --> 00:15:45,667 Speaker 2: So what is next for you? 293 00:15:47,827 --> 00:15:53,907 Speaker 3: A good break? I'm yeah, I'm going to my family's 294 00:15:54,547 --> 00:15:58,427 Speaker 3: gradually or coming back from Australia over the next little while. 295 00:15:58,747 --> 00:16:01,347 Speaker 3: Over and my youngest arrived in the last week and 296 00:16:01,387 --> 00:16:05,827 Speaker 3: my two eldest kids are home and the next fortnite 297 00:16:05,907 --> 00:16:09,027 Speaker 3: or so, and we'll be in New Zealand until late 298 00:16:09,147 --> 00:16:11,107 Speaker 3: January and sort of early February. Will be getting back 299 00:16:11,107 --> 00:16:15,147 Speaker 3: and being getting more settled in Australia, and I'm going 300 00:16:15,227 --> 00:16:19,147 Speaker 3: to try and take off until about May probably, and 301 00:16:19,187 --> 00:16:21,747 Speaker 3: then I've got a few things to sort of make 302 00:16:21,827 --> 00:16:24,187 Speaker 3: up my mind on this. There's a few things around 303 00:16:24,227 --> 00:16:29,067 Speaker 3: sort of consulting or governance opportunities. There's some stuff around 304 00:16:29,347 --> 00:16:33,987 Speaker 3: executive roles, and hopefully I can make a call on 305 00:16:33,987 --> 00:16:35,907 Speaker 3: that in the next few weeks, but not you know, 306 00:16:36,067 --> 00:16:38,387 Speaker 3: or the next four to six weeks, but not start 307 00:16:38,467 --> 00:16:40,347 Speaker 3: until May sometimes which are allowed for a nice break. 308 00:16:40,427 --> 00:16:43,067 Speaker 2: Indeed, it will well whatever it is that comes next. 309 00:16:43,107 --> 00:16:44,947 Speaker 2: I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. 310 00:16:44,987 --> 00:16:47,587 Speaker 2: I want to thank you for your accessibility to me 311 00:16:47,747 --> 00:16:50,267 Speaker 2: and and to the news talks'd be audience during your 312 00:16:50,267 --> 00:16:53,067 Speaker 2: time in this role. You've never never turned down an 313 00:16:53,067 --> 00:16:56,307 Speaker 2: interview request to my knowledge anyway, so thank you for 314 00:16:56,307 --> 00:16:59,147 Speaker 2: your accessibility. I hope you and your family have a 315 00:16:59,227 --> 00:17:02,947 Speaker 2: relaxing holiday season and all the best for what comes next. 316 00:17:03,947 --> 00:17:07,267 Speaker 3: Thanks Binnie, and I guess I just refuse similarly back 317 00:17:07,307 --> 00:17:08,947 Speaker 3: to you. It's been a pleasure working with you, and 318 00:17:09,787 --> 00:17:13,747 Speaker 3: you've always allowed a great fair, but robust and often 319 00:17:13,827 --> 00:17:15,907 Speaker 3: challenging where it's appropriate for them for me to come 320 00:17:15,907 --> 00:17:20,427 Speaker 3: on and share our views with your listeners and it's 321 00:17:20,467 --> 00:17:22,307 Speaker 3: been being privileged dealing with you. All the best to you. 322 00:17:22,387 --> 00:17:25,907 Speaker 2: Too, Thanks indeed, listeners, Thanks indeed, all the best. Cheers guys, 323 00:17:25,947 --> 00:17:29,867 Speaker 2: Mark Robinson, outgoing New Zealand Rugby CEO. 324 00:17:30,667 --> 00:17:33,867 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 325 00:17:33,947 --> 00:17:37,227 Speaker 1: to News Talk sed B weekends from midday, or follow 326 00:17:37,267 --> 00:17:38,907 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio