New Zealand Rugby commits to Super Rugby and NPC but opens door to key changes

In a decision announced on Thursday following discussions between NZ Rugby and its stakeholders about the future of the game, the governing body rejected proposals to replace the current system with a new national competition.

However, changes are planned to improve Super Rugby Pacific's commercial appeal and financial sustainability, while NZ Rugby will also explore whether to relax its restrictions on selecting overseas-based players for the All Blacks.

"We're open to working on things like player movement, a competition-wide salary cap and centralising commercial assets across the key markets," NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster said.

New Zealand Rugby restricts All Blacks selection to players based in the country, although exceptions have been made for players such as Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett during their sabbatical stints at Leinster.

The union also plans to consolidate its Super Rugby and provincial operations in New Zealand's five major cities to improve financial performance, high-performance programmes and community rugby.

The 14-team NPC will remain in place, with stronger relationships between provincial unions and Super Rugby clubs planned to help emerging talent progress through the system.

"New Zealanders should be proud of what sets us apart as a rugby nation, being the layers in our game from club and school to the NPC, Super Rugby and the All Blacks," Lancaster said.

The proposed changes will now be developed in consultation with stakeholders before a final board decision, with implementation expected from 2028.