Rugby’s a ball, pass it on

Rugby’s a ball, pass it on
One of NZ Rugby's best, Jock Hobbs. (Image: NZME)
Paul McBeth
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...

More Opinion

The Money Game: Berkshire & Benjamins
Opinion

Simon Robertson: The Money Game: Berkshire & Benjamins

Fund CIOs are the most important people when the rubber meets the road.

Pulling a sickie? Employers stay alert for misuse
Law & Regulation

Rachael Judge: Pulling a sickie? Employers stay alert for misuse

Employers must be careful not to jump to conclusions about an employee's activities.

Rachael Judge 02 May 2025
There is no free lunch when it comes to austerity
Economy

Cameron Bagrie: There is no free lunch when it comes to austerity

Budget 2025: Education and defence are expected to gain increased investment.

Cameron Bagrie 01 May 2025
How NZ can help the Brits go high-tech
Opinion

Peter Griffin: How NZ can help the Brits go high-tech

The faster and cheaper path to space for the UK might be Rocket Lab’s Electron rockets.

Peter Griffin 30 Apr 2025