We'll sort it out ... Yeah, right

Blues chairman Tony Carter. Photo / Natalie Slade

New Zealand Rugby have a hefty constitution. The sort of constitution that, when you print it out, roll it up and Sellotape it, you could use to mug strangers in dark alleys.

To get a sense of NZ Rugby's importance, the Constitution of the United States of America is 21 pages long, and that includes all 27 amendments. NZ Rugby's constitution, last amended in December, runs to 51 pages. So we are talking weighty.

However, the only thing interesting about NZ Rugby's constitution is the three words that are missing, the true bedrock of rugby administration in this country since 1892: "Knowledge is power."

Or, as Det Sgt Dignam almost said in The Departed, "My theory on [fans] is, they're like mushrooms: feed them shit and keep them in the dark."

There has never been transparency in the running of the national game unless it is forced. The embarrassing Blues Coaching Saga, exposed by diligent reporting, is further proof.

Of several laughable lines in Blues chairman Tony Carter's statement released on Friday, this one in particular was comedy gold: "In the process ... confidential information has been leaked to the media from various sources about potential scenarios and [coaching] candidates.

"While the information has not always been accurate, it has undermined the process and created inappropriate pressure on various participants."

This response was utterly predictable but no less pathetic. Don't blame the lousy, untenable reappointment processes. Don't blame the incompetence of a team that is bound to give cause for speculation on the coach's future. Hell, no, blame the media. We're an easy target and sometimes we make it even easier, but I'm sorry, Mr Carter, the fans are not that stupid - this one's on you and your boys.

On Friday, the Herald website ran an open letter from lifetime Auckland and Blues rugby fan Steve Fisher to Blues chief executive Michael Redman. It was emotive, heart-on-sleeve stuff but it did contain one clear-eyed piece of analysis: "Leaving it to your media manager and coach John Kirwan to front on Thursday was naive in the extreme. At least I hope it is naivete, because the alternative is complete abrogation of your roles and responsibilities ... Front up. You may be doing the right things behind the scenes, but who would know?"

Who would know? That's the point, Steve. We're not meant to know. We're not worthy. The folks in charge will sort it out. Unlike the US, nowhere in rugby's constitution does it say, "For the people".

Now you know why.