Emergency funding for NZ Super Ruby teams
NEWS: New Zealand Rugby announced wage cuts for all staff Wednesday, warning the coronavirus pandemic could cost it up to NZ$100 million (US$60 million) in lost revenue.
NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said under a worst-case scenario Super Rugby teams and the All Blacks would not be able to take the field this year.
He said the union needed to staunch cash outgoings and staff had agreed to a 40 percent pay cut for the next three months, with talks underway with players.
“It’s an incredibly challenging time, we have fantastic rugby people all around the country at the moment dealing with difficult financial circumstances,” he told reporters.
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Robinson said he had been in contact with the global governing body World Rugby about the prospect of NZR receiving financial support.
“They’re going through a process of gathering as much information as they can, once they digest that I’d imagine they’ll come back to us with some ideas,” he said.
NZR said it had made emergency grants of NZ$250 000 to each of New Zealand’s five Super Rugby franchises to tide them over for the next three months.
“These decisions are about protecting the core capability of the Super Rugby clubs so that they are ready to hit the ground running if Super Rugby resumes later this year,” he said.
Robinson also added that funding for New Zealand’s Provincial Unions would also continue.
“Provincial Unions receive approximately $30 million in funding per annum, and all will receive their funding payment in full for quarter two. However, given the challenging circumstances with Covid-19, beyond this time we will keep a watching brief as things develop.
“Super Rugby teams normally earn all their revenue through commercial and gate activities. All teams are doing a range of things to keep their organisations viable through this challenging time.
“In addition, just like NZR, Super Rugby teams have also made necessary changes because of the Covid-19 crisis, including budget cuts and staffing changes. The emergency grant is necessary so that Super Rugby teams can survive and be ready to grow their revenue once we are through the pandemic.
Robinson added: “The Super Rugby teams and NZR have also agreed to pause the negotiation of Super Rugby franchise licenses and use this time to review the business principles and governance of the competition so that the future of the teams is sustainable, and they are match ready.”
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