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Tasman won his second straight NPC title last month.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) needs more time to make a decision on the future of the men’s national provincial competition.
However, NZR CEO Mark Robinson confirmed that the Farah Palmer Cup would return to its old model in 2021 and that the Heartland Championship would return to its normal form after a year off.
The Farah Palmer Cup was renewed this year, with teams divided into North and South groups, a proposed model for the men’s provincial competition.
It’s unclear exactly when a decision will be made on the 10 Miter Cup, but Robinson indicated it could be after Christmas.
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“We have established the fact that we will reach out to our stakeholders in the very near future and we are working on a basic principle, the same number of teams, played in the same window, look at a couple of different options and share them with a little more detail and work with our main stakeholders, ”he said.
The Players Association and broadcaster Sky are the key stakeholders Robinson said they had made progress with in recent weeks.
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NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson.
Regardless of the decision made, Robinson confirmed that provincial unions (UP) are targeting a roughly 10 percent cut in funding next year.
With a $ 5.41 million investment from the government as part of the Covid-19 recovery package, NZR typically distributes $ 30 million annually to the 26 PUs, with amounts varying from union to union depending on various factors, including registered game numbers.
The look of the Miter 10 Cup beyond this year has been the big question in recent months, as the NZR and the PUs have undergone a major revamp since early November, including the possible division of the 14-team competition into groups. North and south.
The current format, which includes a prime minister and a championship with a promotion and relegation system, has been in play since 2011, but a review of the provincial game, known as the Nga Miro Report, recommended changes.
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Otago and Northland will remain in the championship section of the NPC next year, if the current model is maintained.
When asked if change was imminent, Robinson did not compromise, but said one thing was clear: There was not 100% unanimity across the board.
“That’s why we have to take a little more time now, work with our stakeholders and finalize that.”
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Hawke’s Bay won the championship section of this year’s Miter Cup 10.
Canterbury coach Reuben Thorne and his Wellington counterpart Leo Crowley have expressed their desire to see the premier and championship model removed, meaning all 14 teams are eligible to win the title.
Robinson said he had heard both sides of the discussion, and those interested in the promotion / relegation format continue to argue that it allows more teams to appear in the rugby playoffs.
“There are pros and cons, depending on who you talk to.
“We will return with a wide range of information and documents to the printing units in the middle of next week, and then we will see comments on it.”
Mike Scott
Over the years, Richie McCaw’s game evolved to complete one of the best careers in rugby history.
Facing a $ 40 million financial hit in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, cost cutting was primarily behind the exploration of a major revamp, although declining crowds and a general drop in interest also played a role.
The north-south option is understood to save around $ 700,000 on travel and accommodation on the male NPC.
However, with the Farah Palmer Cup returning to its previous form, it seems unlikely that the men’s competition will follow the path from north to south.
“It’s a critical competition on our path, it’s absolutely critical, and we’ve been very clear over the years that it’s a really important juncture for players to come in and have opportunities and exposure at high levels of the game,” Robinson said.
“But yeah, in terms of the future sustainability of the game, I have to take some steps to make it more sustainable, and it will provide avenues for development.”
