Players' union threatens split over NZR board reforms

SPLIT THREATENED: The first proposed by Rugby New Zealand chairwoman Patsy Reddy calls for all members of the board to be independent, as advised by a governance review which reported last year. Pic: ©INPHO/Photosport/Aaron Gillions

New Zealand's players' union has threatened to split with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and set up a new governing body for the professional game if proposed reforms are scuppered by the country's provincial unions later this month.

The game's stakeholders will vote on a new leadership structure at a Special General Meeting of NZR on May 30 but two competing proposals have been tabled.