With around 60 clubs involved, it has its final as a curtain-raiser to an All Blacks Test, with World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry an ambassador.
“The under-85kg has gone from strength to strength, with an increase in the number of teams,” Robinson says. “We would like to think that we can create a greater appetite in this area and maybe even have a mini World Cup competition from 2027, for all those who are interested. We think it could become a big vehicle for participation and interest in the States, too.
“We’ve got a bit of work to do to get there but the way the initial World Cup came about was because New Zealand and a few other countries thought it would be a great idea. They charged off and did it – maybe this could be something similar. We have to be innovative and provide more opportunities to connect with as many men, women, boys and girls as we can.”
‘Quay Park is a phenomenal proposal’
Stadiums are another potential avenue of innovation. New Zealand has never had a national stadium, but Eden Park has become its spiritual home, with the All Blacks unbeaten at the 60,000-seater Auckland venue since 1994 and the Black Ferns lifting the 2021 World Cup on the same turf. But nothing lasts forever – with talk of a new stadium, Quay Park, being built on the outskirts of downtown Auckland. Robinson is excited by the proposal for what could become “a jewel in the crown of the region, putting New Zealand’s premier stadium on a par with some of the great venues around the world”.
Robinson goes on: “If there is a conversation happening with Auckland Council about considering alternatives, then that conversation should happen – and rugby should be a part of it. When you look at where sport and entertainment is going internationally, we think that there should be a conversation; if there is to be an upgrade of Eden Park or a new stadium fit for purpose considered, then all the information needs to be out there.
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