Super Rugby Pacific: Return of crowds ‘massive for rugby’ after tough start

Gone, hopefully, are the days of New Zealand’s six Super Rugby franchises bleeding around $500,000 in lost revenue when hosting games.

The Government’s decision to put no limits on outdoor gatherings from midnight Friday couldn’t have come soon enough for the six franchises, who despite the competition only being into its sixth week, were already calculating the horrendous cost of not being able to open the doors to fans in 2022.

Inviting pods of 100 people to sit in various locations around a stadium in the first five rounds, and that was when games weren’t postponed because of outbreaks of Covid-19 among squads, was like trying to plug a gaping wound with a small cotton ball.

Chiefs chief executive Michael Collins confirmed farewelling $500,000 each home game was a tough reality when crowds were capped.

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“Yes. Every game you can’t host a crowd, you take that kind of hit,’’ he said.

“You are managing the business, and you are probably deferring the spend in some areas to trying to reduce costs as much as you possibly can to survive basically.”

Had limits on crowds continued, it’s likely all the franchises would have posted big losses – potentially well into seven figures.

Now the financial and emotional pain, which began when Covid-19 arrived in early 2020 and resulted in redundancies in rugby organisations around the country, could be a memory.

“It’s been a challenging three years … but this year particularly so,” Collins noted.

“Trying to manage Omicron, within the environment while still trying to play games – financially, we have been hurting this year. More so than any other year, so to get this announcement today is just massive for rugby.”

Despite the welcome news delivered by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday morning, the pandemic will still have a ripple effect.

Moana Pasifika have declined the opportunity to immediately cash-in, after they host the Hurricanes under the current restrictions on Friday. They then have a catch-up game against the Blues at Mt Smart in Auckland on Tuesday.

A spokesperson from Moana Pasifika said they remain committed to limiting the number of supporters to bubbles of 100, to a maximum of 900, in the interests of public safety.

“This is because we are conscious of our Pasifika fan base in South Auckland and note that Covid is still rampant in our communities, who are most vulnerable.’’

Two matches are scheduled on Saturday after the gathering restrictions lift: Highlanders against Blues in Dunedin at 4.35pm, and Chiefs against Crusaders in Hamilton at 7.05pm.

Highlanders boss Roger Clark also confirmed there was no limit on how many fans could sit in the enclosed Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

While fans don’t have to wear masks, vaccine passes will be required until April 4.

The great unknown is whether they will return to games immediately. What is obvious, however, is that franchises will be grateful for every dollar they mop-up.

Unlike 2020 and 2021, when many games were played in front of crowds, the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition has had to limp along with only a smattering of people at grounds.

It began with squads based in the Queenstown bubble for the first two rounds, playing in the resort town and Dunedin. Outbreaks of the virus in all squads also resulted in postponements, and rescheduled fixtures.

“This year we have been hit, financially and operationally, and not being able to get crowds in this year – that has been really challenging,” Collins stated.

“Playing in the bubble, that has been challenging for a number of reasons.”

Now, potentially, the Chiefs could be in for a couple of bumper pay-outs. They are scheduled to host the Crusaders, providing the Christchurch-based team can field a team following a recent outbreak of Covid-19, and the Blues in the next two rounds.

“It is going to be wonderful for the bank balance.”

Asked if the Government’s call to allow the Chiefs to invite in all fans will prevent a loss, Collins was cautious: “Time will tell. Hopefully. Really hope so. But we will know more after this game, and after the next couple of games.”