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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMHurricanes Chair urges urgent privatisation overhaul of Super Rugby
Sport Nation •  April 23rd, 2026 7:54 am
Hurricanes | Photo: Photosport
Hurricanes part-owner and chairman Malcolm Gillies has launched a powerful salvo over the state of Super Rugby, which he believes is fighting a losing battle against both its rival competitions and other sports.
In order to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the competition and retain the cream of the homegrown talent, Gillies insists urgent change is required.
"It's not delivering the financial strength, the fan engagement or the player rewards that a world leading competition should," Gillies told Sport Nation Afternoons.Â
"If we want to keep our best men and women in rugby, and if we want the All Blacks and the Black Ferns to stay at the top of the international game, we have to be honest about that.Â
"Our goal is simple - we want the best professional rugby competition in the world based here in our region. That means a competition that can pay players and coaches properly, attract long-term investment, fill stadiums, grow broadcast value and act as a powerful pathway for the next generation of All Blacks and Black Ferns."
Managing director at real estate powerhouse the Gillies Group, Gillies believes the first step in that overhaul begins with Super Rugby immediately breaking away from its current model and becoming fully privatised.
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As it currently stands, NZR simply cannot compete with the offers coming from Europe and Japan, Gilles explains, having recently been forced to watch as two of the Canes' most prodigiously talented youngsters in Fehi Fineanganofo and Riley Higgins ink deals in the northern hemisphere at just 23 years of age.
As he so straightforwardly assessed it; "We're just not in the game."
"The structure must change. We need to move from a centrally subsidised model into a modern, privatised league-style competition with strong, independent clubs, clear rules, firm protection of our national teams and community game," he added.
"That isn't about selling out the sport, it's about building a platform strong enough to keep our talent here and keep New Zealand rugby at the top of the world."
While Super Rugby's arrow continues to trend downwards, the NRL's persists on its steep upward trajectory - particularly concerning the Warriors and their booming popularity.
The fans are voting with their wallets and their hearts, and their book is one Gillies says Super Rugby needs to take a leaf from.
"I think they're doing a great job. If you look at what the Warriors are doing, there's lessons to be learned.Â
"They've got real emotional attachment with their fans."
Listen to the full interview below:
