WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s Rugby Players’ Association unveiled a funding proposal on Friday designed to keep the legendary All Blacks in Kiwi hands, sparking a furious reaction from administrators who are pursuing a deal with US investors.
The association said its proposal offered cash-strapped New Zealand Rugby a viable alternative to selling off a stake in the All Blacks to California-based private equity firm Silver Lake Partners.
“NZR will retain far greater control over its future, more flexibility and optionality, as well as sharing its future results with New Zealanders who wish to invest in the business,” it said in a letter to NZR.
The association, which is a union for elite players, opposes the Silver…
