31 Mar 2021

Mediator called in for standoff between NZ Rugby and players

From Morning Report, 7:54 am on 31 March 2021

Work continues today to resolve the standoff between New Zealand Rugby and players.

New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson says he's optimistic a "transformational" deal will go ahead in which a US investment firm Silver Lake will buy 15 percent in NZ Rugby.

But the New Zealand Rugby Players Association says rugby's Maori and Pasifika culture is "not for sale", and it is worried a deal could ruin the sports relationship with fans.

A mediator has been called in to resolve the dispute.

Joe Porter is RNZ's rugby reporter.