Bidwell: Fans growing tired of NZ Rugby censorship
New Zealand Rugby is censoring its players' right to speak freely. The sporting public is tired of it. The recent comments coming out of Super Rugby Pacific franchises were treated as naughty schoolboys by their employer. Even the broadcast partner, Sky, doesn't welcome it and encourages players to follow the approved PR path. It's time for sports fans to take more credit for their heroes. They want someone to say something that resembles intelligent thought and a grasp of reality.
Savea said something candidly after the Hurricanes' narrow loss to the Crusaders. This happens all the time in professional sport elsewhere. New Zealand Rugby buys silence by censoring its players. The review into the Black Ferns is ongoing.
New Zealand Rugby re-appointed head coach Glenn Moore without embarrassment. The Black Ferns have a new head Coach, in Wayne Smith. The players revolted against NZR's plans to go into private equity partnership with American company Silver Lake. It took public disapproval of Moore to do that. Fans are tired of NZ Rugby censorship. They want their players treated as adults with worthwhile opinions to make.
