WELLINGTON – New Zealand Rugby proposed a “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of its leadership structure on March 27, setting the stage for a power struggle at the top of the country’s most popular sport.

It comes after an independent review concluded that NZ Rugby’s current leadership structure was “not fit for purpose”.

The rugby board’s proposals include a panel to appoint its leadership group so all nine board members are independently elected. The board would be selected to ensure gender and ethnic diversity with knowledge of rugby at all levels, NZ Rugby said.

Some seats are currently decided by nominations from the provincial unions.

“Changing rugby’s leadership structure is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform,” NZ Rugby chair Patsy Reddy said. “Across rugby there is widespread agreement on the need for change.”

The plans have been put to NZ Rugby members, who will vote on the proposals at a date yet to be determined.

An independent report in 2023 described the governing body as an outdated organisation hamstrung by its own structure and not fit for the modern era. The report called for an independent panel to appoint “an appropriately skilled, high-performing board”.

The planned changes heeded calls for experience of grassroots rugby, Maori culture and language, plus stronger ties with the community from the Pacific Islands.

There is potential, however, for a power struggle because New Zealand’s 26 provincial unions have drafted their own proposal. One key difference is that they are demanding that at least three of the nine board members must have two years’ experience on one of their boards.

Reddy insisted that NZ Rugby must modernise. “This leadership structure will provide greater opportunities for diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and genders to have a voice in rugby,” she added.

“We are operating in a rapidly changing world and we need a leadership structure which supports a global, professional sport and meets the unique needs of our local communities.”

Reddy also said that she will review her position if her proposed board reforms are scuppered by the country’s provincial unions.

“I’ve been clear that I’m committed personally to delivering an independent model of governance for the game,” she said. “I’m hoping that the provincial unions will support this way forward, but if the voting members choose to vote a proposal that maintains that level of representation – yes, that’s my red line.

“As I’ve said to (the provincial unions), if they do proceed with this model and it’s successful, then I would review my position because I cannot support it.”

The All Blacks, the famed New Zealand men’s team, have won the World Cup three times. They kick off their 2024 season under new head coach Scott Robertson in July when they host England.

The women’s side are the reigning world champions and have won the title six times.

In other rugby news, French international referee Mathieu Raynal said on March 26 he would like to see a time limit imposed on scrums and fewer replacements as he announced his retirement.

There is no law in place on the time allowed for a scrum and the set piece can take more than a minute to complete.

Sides are allowed to use eight substitutes during a match.

“There are two things I’d like to see to increase the ball in play time,” said Raynal, who will referee his 50th and final Test match in July, becoming the 13th official to reach the landmark.

“That we limit the time it takes to set a scrum to 30 seconds, that we put in a shot clock like for penalties and conversions.

“There are also too many replacements who come onto the field in the second half, I feel it breaks up the flow of a match. I would be in favour of having more people on a team sheet, 30 players for example, but we limit the number of replacements to five or six per match.” AFP, REUTERS