Jack Mesley: Super Rugby Pacific CEO on the action packed Super Round at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Super Rugby.
What is the significance of the Super Round in Christchurch?
Long weekend, big outing in Christchurch for the Super Round. Of course, five games, three days, one venue. It's a first. 75,000 expected. 13,000 of them are out of town. Jack Mesley is the Super Rugby Pacific CEO and is back with us. Jack, very good morning to you. Morning, Mike. What's the planning timeline and stuff? How long has this been in the pipeline, as they say?
Yeah, it's been about a 12-month planning process from initial discussions with with Christchurch, New Zealand, and then getting right into the detail over the last couple of months. So it's an exciting day to be bringing it to life.
Logistically, is it hard work?
Yeah, it is.
How long did the planning for the Super Round take?
I mean, five games in a venue is a pretty big challenge. To do that with a new venue for its first major event certainly adds some complication and obviously it's a big deal for the city in terms of traffic and transport as well. But I'd say everyone's just been so excited to be part of it and all parties have worked so well together to do all the planning and get it all sorted.
How have you handled the home gain thing, the clipping of the ticket and all of that?
Yeah, so we worked with the five New Zealand clubs to essentially compensate them for having their home game here. And I think that's the great thing about major events like this is that everyone can win in the incremental value that events like this create. So they're thrilled and it's great to see so many of their fans down here for the weekend celebrating what's a great moment for the city. You like the facility? Oh, it's incredible. I was just there this morning doing some breakfast TV. It's an incredible venue. And I'm sitting here now in my hotel looking at the snow-capped mounds of York Christ Church. And off to the left is just this amazing venue that is walking distance from, you know, the centre of Sydney.
I mean, it is remarkable. And, yeah, we cannot wait to open the doors of the sophomore's.
Now, they tell me it's not sold out Saturday, Sunday. Is that true? And if it is, is that a problem?
No problem. I'm very confident we'll be announcing some good news on that very shortly.
What challenges arise from hosting five games in one venue?
So, yeah, we're thrilled with the take-up. I was on a plane over yesterday afternoon full of Brumbies and Waratahs fans. As you mentioned in your opener there, we've got I think 13,500 people flying in for it, and they're going to spend circa $6 million in the local economy here, which is just great. So we're going to have full stadiums, and not just in the stadium, but around town at the live site. It's going to be a wonderful environment.
We'll have to get you back on for a longer discussion one other day, but just give me a brief comment. Malcolm Gillies, who's this Hurricanes co-owner, is in the news this morning. He, as an owner, isn't happy. Super Rugby isn't working. It's not working for a lot of different people. Do you agree with him or not?
No, I don't necessarily agree with it. But what I would say is we know financially it's been a tough period for the clubs. The good news is Super Rugby is growing again. We've got a couple of years of growth consecutive now and we're going to post another great season this year. We know the financial sort of measures do lag those lead indicators. And we're doing all we can to support the clubs to make sure they are as stable as possible. So, yeah, it's great to have investors like Malcolm in the game. What he's doing with the Hurricanes is excellent. And I think you've seen a big improvement from the Hurricanes this year in terms of what they're offering their fans. They've obviously got a great team.
They've always had a great team, but what they're doing off the park has seen a great improvement. And together, you know, we can make things better for our investors in the game. And, you know, I think SuperRound's a great example of that where we can offer more value.
All right, good stuff. You enjoy your weekend.
How do you manage home game considerations for clubs?
Appreciate it. Jack Misley, who's the Super Rugby boss.
For more from the Mike Hosking Breakfast, listen live to News Talk ZB from 6 a.m.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–0:01
2
What is the significance of the Super Round in Christchurch?
0:01–0:40
3
How long did the planning for the Super Round take?
0:40–2:12
4
What challenges arise from hosting five games in one venue?
2:12–3:54
5
How do you manage home game considerations for clubs?
3:54–4:06
Speakers
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