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This story was originally posted on RNZ.co.nz and is being republished with permission.
OPINION: New Zealand Rugby and its players are truly the strangest of dancers.
The ongoing entanglement they get involved in around games, selections and availability is something to behold, as long as you subscribe to the theory that the All Blacks jersey means something.
It’s a brand that both NZR and gamers exploit, often leaving the rest of us confused and disenfranchised.
The All Blacks are playing test rugby this year. We think.
The where, when and how it has turned out, or is, proving a bit complicated, but the bottom line is that they will play. Yes, no health or logistical hurdle will prevent the powers from holding international matches in 2020, otherwise they will be ruined.
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It remains to be seen if all the All Blacks will be available for each test, but that’s part of that complicated dance routine.
Players have always become unavailable for games or tours. Whether it is for work commitments or for reasons of compassion, religious and political beliefs or parental leave, choosing not to participate is not out of the ordinary.
Yet money has been at the root of most arguments in the professional era.
Where once games were few and far between, now they abound. Where before teams were settled and squads were small, now we have massive changes from week to week.
Renee McKay / Getty Images
The All Blacks face Australia in two Bledisloe home trials before crossing Tasman for the Rugby Championship.
Where games and series were played for glory and trophies and legacies, they are now simply a mechanism to pay the hefty salaries of players.
When, as the governing body, you run games simply for the sake of revenue and support and encourage turnover and off weeks, then you decrease output. Not just in the minds of fans, broadcasters and sponsors, but also in the players’ minds.
Give your highly paid employees every excuse not to participate and guess what? – some will accept it.
Players are not without blame, obviously. If your appetite for cash, and all the other trimmings that come with being a professional rugby player, matched your desire to actually play, then we wouldn’t have such a big problem.
But our heroes, in concert with the players’ association, are getting more and more specific about how many times they are prepared to play and train each year and with what intensity. How many media commitments they will make, how many promotional activities they will attend, how many weeks of camp they will do, and for how much money.
Worst of all is still this “sabbatical” idea. The chance to stay with your NZR money, but stay for months or even entire years, while other suckers pay more for the privilege of your services.
You’re hesitant to say that NZR has gotten used to begging its best players to stay under contract, but when you have to incentivize their deals to this point, you’re hardly in a strong bargaining position.
Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson was disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to host the Rugby Championship.
Again, when these are the terms of employment, it’s no wonder some guys are reluctant to gamble.
Some people will say that these players are under contract and should do what they are told. We don’t tell our employers when we’re ready to work and when we’re not, so why should soccer players?
Too bad Super Rugby Aotearoa is a bit tough on the body or if the 2020 testing schedule comes with too many quarantine requirements. You have a lot of money and you can cast your hook if you don’t like it.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit late for that. New Zealand Rugby took the lead, in terms of trying to cash in on the All Blacks brand, but now it’s the players who are in control.
I’d be fascinated to know how people feel now about the All Blacks. How connected they are with the team and with the games and the results.
I maintain a professional interest and have friends who care about the team and enjoy the games. But, hand on heart, I really wouldn’t mind if I never saw the All Blacks play again.
I am alone here? Am I talking nonsense? Is the relationship between NZR and its players really incredibly healthy and are the All Blacks as popular and easy to identify as ever?
All I usually see is a governing body in need of money, a gaming group that yearns for it, and various contortions designed to create a mutually beneficial outcome.
It has almost become more of a show than the game itself.
This story was originally posted on RNZ.co.nz and is being republished with permission.
