The Silver Lake proposal will deliver far more value to rugby than just the money to support the game and communities around New Zealand but also open up new opportunities for the development of players at all levels and growth into new global markets,

Andrew Ritchie, the Chairman of the Northland Rugby Union says the future of New Zealand rugby for the next 50 years depends on bringing much needed support to the grassroots game as well as taking the game to the next level internationally.

“We know emotions are running high because rugby is so dear to all out hearts. However, we also need to understand that the many communities across New Zealand are the lifeblood of rugby and the Silver Lake proposal is the only actual proposal which will unlock the potential of the sport. It alone will provide the sustainable capital to improve infrastructure from clubrooms to the use of technology to better develop player skills at all levels of the game.  New Zealand rugby will only get one shot at this and the Silver Lake proposal is an outstanding opportunity to secure a bright future for our national game,” says Ritchie.

Ritchie adds that it is worth remembering that the Players Representatives also started at the grassroots level and this is where the support was most needed to keep rugby alive.

“New Zealand rugby cannot continue to perform and grow as a local, national or international game unless we have the financial certainty to properly support game in the Heartland – the grassroots is where all players start their association with rugby right through to the All Blacks but unless we nurture our community game we cannot have a future. The Silver Lake deal is the only one on the table that locks in that support for the communities and grassroots rugby - we should embrace it including the Players Representatives because this is where they all began their careers too.”

Ritchie says it is disappointing the way that the Forsyth Barr announcement was made without any consultation with the New Zealand Rugby Union and its disingenuous introduction of promises it may never keep.

“Mums and Dads deserve to be told the truth and not given false promises of owning shares for $100 as a better solution for the future of New Zealand rugby – the issue is not about a few shares but how much financial support makes it into the communities and people in the Heartland that live and breathe rugby – only the Silver Lake proposal delivers this as well as a global sports distribution network that will transform rugby through new audiences, different global markets and technology.”

“All of the Provincial rugby unions have voted unanimously for the Silver Lake proposal which is a ‘win win’ opportunity of a lifetime for New Zealand rugby and the communities that provide the support for our national game. Let’s not make this a political football and but get on with delivering the benefits to grassroots rugby and provide a bright and certain future for the game.”

Article added: Monday 17 May 2021