THE POWER BROKERS
In the realm of political science, powerbrokers are those who work away behind the seat of power, exerting influence, organising voting blocs or favours in exchange for financial benefits and even more power.
Rugby has reached a crossroads with the realisation that the traditional outlets of power - wealthy white men sitting around a boardroom table (“old farts” as Will Carling might call them) - have limitations in their vision and ability to grasp new ideas.
To that end, private equity has started to pour into the game as it seeks to conquer new, digitally focused, worlds. Luxembourg-based giants CVC Capital Partners have made heavy investments in European and South African rugby, American outfit Silver Lake are looking to do the same in Australasia.
It is against that backdrop that New Zealand rugby’s new (and old) powerbrokers have emerged. As the sport looks to modernise, these are the key people, those who both sit on the throne but also those who direct operations behind it.
NZ Rugby World has canvassed the opinions of several people who work within the sport and those who closely observe it to formulate the list. They were given the cover of anonymity so they could be honest. There was a broad agreement about those near the top of the list, although the order varied from person to person.
There was also consensus that although NZR talked a good game when it came to diversity, the halls of power were still overwhelmingly white and male. One observer, a former employee at NZR HQ, said women and Polynesians were still “shamefully underrepresented” in positions of influence in
