Rugby Australia chief claims there have been ‘constructive talks’ with NZ Rugby over significant Bledisloe Cup change
Wallabies taking on the All Blacks and Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh.
Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive Phil Waugh is positive that an Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test can still go ahead after productive discussions with New Zealand Rugby.
A proposal was put forward by RA in 2024 about having a Wallabies v All Blacks clash on Anzac Day (April 25). It initially garnered interest across the Tasman Sea, but then appeared to be killed off by the Kiwis.
The then NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson stated in March 2025 that from their point of view it was simply “not viable”.
‘Doesn’t really stack up’
“We certainly committed to exploring the concept and were open-minded to it, but had a lot of work to do,” Robinson said.
“When we have gone and spoken to various groups, be it the Super Rugby clubs, the players association and various partners, we don’t see it as viable, at this stage.
“As part of that we looked at the model of doing this home and away, because if we were to move to what is effectively a three-Test series, playing every year away wasn’t something we thought was appropriate.
“And when you look at the financial model of doing it home and away, it’s vastly different to what the Australians are proposing with their model of funding.
“The reality of that, and how it looked long-term commercially, was another consideration. What we do we risk in Super (Rugby), in player welfare and in other commercial partnerships, by comparison? That was the equation we looked at and, at the moment, it doesn’t really stack up.”
However, over a year on from those comments, Waugh was asked about the idea on Sport Nation and the former Wallabies flanker was optimistic.
“We’re talking very constructively with New Zealand Rugby around exactly that concept. There’s no greater reflection and tribute to Anzac than Australia playing New Zealand,” he said.
“The AFL can’t do it, NRL can’t do it, but the beauty of rugby is that we can do that, so there are certainly some very constructive conversations around the concept and how we can bring that to life.
“We’ve obviously got the Wallaroos playing the Black Ferns on Anzac Day on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, which is a great start.
“If we can run off the back of that into a bigger and better clash then I think everyone would really rejoice in that, and it’s a moment for our game to stand above all others.”
Significant change at NZ Rugby
A lot has changed in NZ Rugby circles since last March, which could ultimately prompt a change of heart from those involved in discussions.
Scott Robertson was reportedly very much against the idea but, with the All Blacks head coach being sacked and Robinson stepping down as CEO, there are different key players at the top of the organisation.
They have yet to appoint a full-time chief executive, one of a number of high profile positions which remain unfilled, but Steve Lancaster has taken over on an interim basis and Dave Rennie is now New Zealand’s head coach.
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Waugh was asked whether it is NZR who have been ‘pushing back’ at the concept and, while he remained coy, his outlook was ultimately positive.
“We’re working constructively with NZR, we’re dealing with NZR tonight (Thursday) and have got a full day with them tomorrow (Friday), and obviously spending a lot of time with them over the weekend,” he said.
“We’re very, very optimistic around what some of the outcomes of those conversations may look like.”
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