The statistic that dwindles from $122M to $41M by 2031 is the real wake-up call here.
Relying on windfalls like the Greatest Rivalry Series or Lions tours just to cover annual losses isn't a business model; it's survival mode. And yeah, the French league posting losses despite all that money shows this isn't just a New Zealand problem. Rugby's whole structure feels stuck in 1995 while every other sport evolved.
The women's game point hits hard too. Being honest that it will never break even is uncomfortable but necessary. Pretending otherwise just delays finding real funding solutions.
Curious if the summit actually produces structural change or just more committee talk. South Africa joining the URC was bold, but their privately owned franchises are a different beast entirely. Hard to see Super Rugby surviving without becoming part of a northern hemisphere tournament eventually.
RE: All Blacks Summit This Week - Changes Expected