ZB ZB
Sport
100 Years of ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Listen: 100 Years of ZB Podcast hosted by Mike Hosking

"Outgrowing the model": Is privatisation the future for NZ's Super Rugby clubs?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Fri, 14 Aug 2026, 9:04am
The Hurricanes celebrate after winning the Super Rugby Grand Final match between Hurricanes and Chiefs at Hnry Stadium, on June 20, 2026, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The Hurricanes celebrate after winning the Super Rugby Grand Final match between Hurricanes and Chiefs at Hnry Stadium, on June 20, 2026, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

A Super Rugby team owner believes a damning report into the competition's viability is further proof a new financial structure is needed. 

A Deloitte document claims no franchise would have been profitable on a stand-alone basis since 2019, without New Zealand Rugby funding. 

Hurricanes co-owner Malcolm Gillies has been an advocate for privatisation, telling Mike Hosking they must adapt. 

He says they’re outgrowing the model, and they have to look collectively at how they can get it to produce players of quality, but at the same time it needs to stand on its own. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you