Rugby’s a ball, pass it on

One of NZ Rugby's best, Jock Hobbs. (Image: NZME)

Tue, 04 Jun 2024

Almost 30 years ago, New Zealand rugby was at an inflexion point. It was on the cusp of turning professional and Aussie media barons Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer were duking it out over rival competitions and the lucre attached to the TV rights for league and union. Packer’s World Rugby Corporation had the upper hand, with 500 players across the globe on board, including most of the All Blacks, but Jock Hobbs and his tireless lobbying of players to stick with the Murdoch-backed Sanzar (South African, NZ, and Austral...

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