The looming return of rugby will come too late to stop severe job losses at New Zealand Rugby, which is set to make up to half of its staff redundant.
Radio New Zealand reported on Friday that NZ Rugby has told its 180-strong full-time staff 50 per cent will lose their jobs and others will have to reapply for roles.
The governing body last week announced a loss of more than $NZ7 million for the previous financial year and forecast a potential plunge in revenue of well over $100 million this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
It has forced chief executive Mark Robinson to make wholesale staff cuts, although he wouldn’t confirm Radio NZ’s figures.
“We’re working through consultation with our people at the moment on that and it’s obviously a challenging time for rugby so we are taking all steps to make sure we communicate directly with our staff,” Robinson said.
“It’s an incredibly challenging time with covid right around the country, we’re seeing situations where businesses are in challenging positions and we’re no different.”
The news comes a day after it was announced a New Zealand-only Super Rugby competition could be launched as soon as mid-June, after the country eases it’s COVID-19 lockdown status from alert level three to level two.
“Super Rugby Aotearoa” will be a 10-week round-robin competition involving the five Kiwi franchises, with no crowds nor finals series.
Robinson said on Thursday the sport’s return would be a relief to its fans and stakeholders, although it would only moderately ease the sport’s financial pain.
“We’re delighted with the news and for the country as much as anything, that there’s progress being made,” Robinson said.
“It’s great to have the first opportunity to lead the world in this case. Our teams are taking that very seriously in terms of the medical protocols we’re talking about.
“I’ve certainly had some of our colleagues from around the world reaching out to understand what processes we’re working through. We know a lot of people will be watching.”
Robinson said it remained hard to forecast what, if any, international rugby will be played in 2020.
It has been speculated a Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies could be staged in October if trans-Tasman travel restrictions are eased.
“It’s positive those things are being discussed – the reality is there’s still a long way to go. We’ll remain close with the Government, health officials and our specialists in this area and watch it very closely.”