NPC 2025
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Have to say how pleased I was to read that after weighing everything up NZR have come conclusion that NPC is too important to pathways for rugby in NZ too change. Bloody great!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360776605/work-be-done-new-zealand-rugbys-steve-lancaster-bullish-about-npc -
The NPC is fucking brilliant.
Just don't play the games in cavernous Test venues. Bijou venues are better.
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There are a couple of articles in the newspaper today. One from Paul Cully says that Sky and TVNZ will be sharing broadcasting rights from 2026, so there will be FTA coverage. This agreement is well advanced and unlikely to change after Sky's acquisition of Three. This will also mean a reduction in the value of the broadcasting deal from Sky but should allow more eyes on games, presumably with ads. There is also a mention of making SR clubs declare by the end of the season who has been signed for the following year and how many contracts are available for NPC players.
The second article is more about the future of the NPC including the movement to smaller grounds to reduce match-day costs. Obviously there is only a limited number of afternoon slots available for grounds without adequate lighting.
