Rugby provinces cry foul over lack of national direction

By WYNNE GRAY

Provincial unions are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of leadership from the New Zealand Rugby Football Union - and are throwing doubt on the future of chief executive David Rutherford.

While the unions acknowledge an independent review is being undertaken into New Zealand's failure to be confirmed as co-host of the next World Cup, they say they have been left in limbo by the lack of national direction.

Since the Anzac Day decision to institute that review, Mr Rutherford and NZRFU chairman Murray McCaw have largely withdrawn from circulation.

Staff morale at the union headquarters is also reported to be fragile as they wait for the report from former Chief Justice Sir Thomas Eichelbaum about the decision that left Australia as sole host of next year's tournament.

Meanwhile, the provinces have been asking how New Zealand will move forward in negotiations such as those with Sanzar, major sponsor adidas or the International Rugby Board if Mr Rutherford remains in his position.

Several high-ranking global rugby officials have indicated an unwillingness to co-operate with Mr Rutherford and Mr McCaw after the World Cup fiasco.

Last year, after robust discussion, the NZRFU board rolled over Mr Rutherford's contract for another term. But the World Cup traumas have caused some board members to wonder if there should be another review.