Israel Dagg, the former All Black, has expressed his concern for the future of the game in New Zealand ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Ireland, believing that “we’re losing the heart and the grassroots of New Zealand rugby”. New Zealand’s Under-20 side has historically won six U20 World Championship titles yet finished seventh in the last two tournaments, losing this year to France and Australia. Citing a recent independent governance review which found that “the governance of NZR and the wider rugby delivery system has not kept pace with the challenges facing the game”, Dagg cited serious concerns with the direction of the sport. “There is a lot of concern, if I am completely honest,” Dagg said. New Zealand Rugby just had a big review with regards to the competitions here, there is no fan engagement, communities feel disengaged from NZR and from our players.

Source: Irish Independent October 11, 2023 12:01 UTC