Govt uses rugby diplomacy to boost China ties

Murray McCully. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Government is using "rugby diplomacy" - sending former All Blacks to China - to strengthen trade links.

Dallas Seymour has already been over to run coaching clinics to help the people's republic pursue its ambition for Olympic glory in rugby sevens.

Seymour, who was part of the gold medal-winning sevens team at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, has just returned from Shandong province.

The initiative was the brainchild of Sports Minister Murray McCully, who calls it "rugby diplomacy".

"In the context of our overall relationship with China, which is going places quickly, it's one of those areas where we can underpin the growth of trade and economic relations," Mr McCully said.

Seymour said although rugby was still relatively new to China, interest was already building, with a view to 2013, when it will be part of the national games.

"Rugby has been in China only since 1990 ... They've definitely got some development to do, and they've got a bit of work to do on their fitness.

"But they're really passionate about rugby and rugby culture, the relationships and the people and having friends for life from rugby."

Seymour took a simple approach to his coaching.

"You don't want to dump far too much information on them, so just a few tips around attack and defensive lines, scrums and tackle safety, and some techniques to keep them safe."

China is investing resources in developing rugby with a view to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, when rugby sevens will make its debut.

"They're looking for expertise, particularly in the area of coaching," Mr McCully said. "We wanted to be on the ground floor in a partnership that will help them developing the sport."

The minister made the offer of free rugby advice during a visit a few months ago, and Seymour was the first former All Black to go.

"It was the first in what I imagine will be a number of exchanges," Mr McCully said.

A formal partnership had yet to be worked out, he said, but he was lining up "big-name" players to visit China to add to the game's profile.

The expert advice was free. "It's not an income earner, but in the context in what is our second-biggest trading relationship, it is a very small investment in deepening the relationship.

"It's not costing us much, just an air ticket or two at the moment."

Asked if the Chinese could be competitive, given that their average physical size is not usually of All Black proportions, Mr McCully said: "When you have that many to choose from, there are plenty of big ones."