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Ex-All Black turned MLR star lifts the lid on how Silver Lake deal could benefit NZR in the USA
Former All Blacks halfback Andy Ellis says New Zealand Rugby’s [NZR] potential mega-deal with Silver Lake could provide more than just a financial boost for rugby within New Zealand.
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NZR are expected to confirm whether the controversial deal with the American private equity giants, understood to be worth $387.5m, will go ahead at the union’s annual general meeting on Thursday.
The proposal to sell a 12.5 percent stake of NZR to Silver Lake has been met with some resistance, particularly from the New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association, although there has been support from other parties, such as the cash-strapped Heartland Championship provincial unions.
A former NZR-contracted player himself, Ellis said he can see benefits aside from the financial windfall that would come with investment from Silver Lake.
Currently living in the United States while he plays for Rugby United New York [RUNY] in Major League Rugby [MLR], the 37-year-old told The Breakdown he has developed a better understanding of what the Silver Lake deal could mean for the growth of NZR’s brands in one of the world’s biggest markets.
“You’ve gotta understand with the opportunity that would come with not only the investment, but the fact you’d then have it on all the major TV stations in the States,” Ellis said.
“Super Rugby, for example, All Blacks tests, the scope to grow individual brands and things like that over here. When you come over here, you start to understand it a little more. I’m still not sure what the right answer is.
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“I know the Players’ Association is pretty staunch and New Zealand Rugby have got their reasons for bringing money in, but if we’re going to grow the game, at some point we’re going to have to look to have that investment, both money but also to help push and grow it into other regions of the world.
“From being over here, from spending time here, I start to understand the concept better. I think that’s what I’m trying to say.”
The 28-test veteran, who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning All Blacks side and played 154 times for the Crusaders, added the potential growth of rugby as a whole in the USA is “exciting”.
Ellis said he has noticed there is a genuine interest for the sport in America, of which MLR can harness in the coming years via the solid foundation the league has developed in its formative years.
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“Already, I feel this bit of excitement around rugby in the States. This programme where there are 12 or 14 teams now, they’re really establishing themselves with private ownership,” he told The Breakdown.
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“The money isn’t like what it is in other parts of the world, but there’s other things here that are really unique and pretty cool to experience as well, and there’s a lot of opportunity here.
“I don’t know where it’s going to go, but I’ve got a good feeling that it’s going to grow and grow quite quickly. You bump into people on the streets here and they want to know more about it.
“Americans love entertainment and they love sport, and so whether I’m getting my hair cut or me and my son are throwing the ball around down at the park, people will actually come up and say, ‘Oh, is that rugby? We always wanted to know more about rugby’.
“There certainly is that element of wanting to come and see or experience a new sport or entertainment or just get out and see something new. I’m excited by the opportunities that lie ahead in the next sort of five and 10 years.”
Conceding he didn’t know what to expect when joining RUNY from the Kobelco Steelers in Japan’s Top League, Ellis has since been pleasantly surprised by the standard of quality on offer in the USA.
“I was really surprised by the talent here. Genuinely really good skill set, good athletes here,” he said.
“Coming from Japan, I wasn’t sure what to expect, if it’d be similar to Japan or what, but the guys here are very skilful and can play, which, not surprised me, but I think that was a pretty awesome thing to see and experience.
“They’re quick learners, too. They really want to learn and get better and develop quickly too, so it’s been good. It’s been an interesting but challenging first few months.”
Ellis has featured in all five of RUNY’s matches thus far this season, four of which he has started, as he has helped his side to three wins over the San Diego Legion, Rugby ATL and Old Glory DC.
Defeats at the hands of NOLA Gold and the Toronto Arrows leaves Ellis and RUNY in third place on the MLR Eastern Conference standings ahead of this week’s clash against the Seattle Seawolves at Starfire Stadium in Seattle.
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Comments on RugbyPass
SBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
6 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
6 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
11 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
11 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
11 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
11 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to comments