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‘Really critical period for the game’: NZR to hold summit this week
Sport Nation • September 21st, 2026 4:07 pm
The Hurricanes | Photo: Elias Rodriguez/AAP
New Zealand Rugby is facing a defining week, with a summit on Thursday expected to confront the financial challenges threatening the future of the professional game.
Sports reporter Paul Cully joined Sport Nation Mornings to discuss the New Zealand Rugby report he uncovered last week, which has highlighted a structural deficit of $20 million a year, projected losses of $66 million between 2027 and 2031, and cumulative losses of more than $100 million from 2024 to 2028.
“I think there is a real sense of urgency around this,” Cully shared.
He believes the country may no longer be able to afford two professional competitions - Super Rugby and NPC.
“I have believed for a number of years that New Zealand can only afford one professional competition.
“The important thing is making a decision on which one it's going to be. Invest in it, market it properly and get on with it.”
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Around 80 stakeholders are expected to attend Thursday’s rugby summit, with the aim of discussing possible options before a recommendation is put to the New Zealand Rugby board in early December, in what has been described as a 'really critical period for the game'.
Cully said the meeting would bring together representatives from across the sport as New Zealand Rugby attempts to find a sustainable path forward.
“It's going to be everybody involved in the game. I think it's gonna be about 80 people all up, stakeholders all in the same room, essentially.”
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While NZR may have preferred to keep the process behind closed doors, Cully believes public scrutiny could help force decision-makers into action.
“Preferably New Zealand Rugby would have done all this without any of it getting out in the media, but that's not how the world works.
“I personally think it is good for the public, who, let's face it, are the owners of the game, to be supplied the facts and there's a bit of sunlight on the situation, and potentially then apply a bit of heat to the decision makers in the game to get something done.”
Cully understands stakeholders have already been presented with two or three possible options, although the details have not been made public.
“I understand that potentially at the end of last week everybody was given options by New Zealand Rugby, two or three options. I think that was scheduled to happen. I don't know what they are but they will discuss those options and try to find a path forward.”
Listen to the full interview below:
