New Zealand rugby's governing body is expected to approve the US$280 million offer from California-based Silver Lake investments at an annual general meeting in Wellington on Thursday. The deal would value New Zealand Rugby's commercial assets at a whopping US$2.2 billion. New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said the deal would be "transformational" for rugby in New Zealand, and for club sides that are perennially short of cash despite the All Blacks' on-field success. Stuff.co.nz sports columnist Mark Reason claimed Silver Lake had no interest in rugby as a sport and were only interested in making money. The New Zealand Rugby Players' Association, which can veto the plan, has raised concerns about appropriation of Maori and Pasifika culture, including the haka.

Source: News 24 April 28, 2021 07:35 UTC