Latest news with #CoreyKennett
NZ Herald
27-06-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Referee abuse needs to stop for the sake of our games
The decision, under current laws, was correct. Yet for simply doing his job Barnes received a torrent of abuse, despite having 17 years of professional rugby referee experience, taking charge of 111 tests. And not just him, threats of physical and sexual violence were also directed at his wife and children – and that was the final straw – forcing him to hang up the whistle. Had X existed in 2007, I'd hate to imagine what it would have been like after France knocked the All Blacks out of that World Cup. This is just one example of many where match officials across all sports - at all levels – have become punching bags for players, coaches, and fans. But this isn't just about online bile, it's having real world consequences. Referees are quitting, fewer are signing up, and in some parts of the country, competitions are now under threat because there aren't enough officials left willing to cop the abuse. The Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union has become the unlikely voice of reason. In a bold, unprecedented move, they've postponed all rugby fixtures this weekend after an incident where a referee had to be escorted to his car over safety fears during a first XV game between Kāpiti College and Mana College. Less than 28 days ago, they warned this might happen. Now, they've followed through. Union chief executive Corey Kennett deserves credit for standing firm. But why has it taken a small provincial union to take the lead? Where is New Zealand Rugby in this conversation? Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union chief executive Corey Kennett has been praised for his decision. Photo / NZ Herald As custodians of our game, they should be the ones making the tough call – forcing all unions to make a similar stand in solidarity – not leaving little old Horowhenua-Kāpiti to lead from the front. In a country where rugby is both our most played and most watched sport, the tone from the top is vital. What happens at the elite level shapes behaviour across every club, school, and Saturday morning sideline. If respect for officials isn't modelled at the top, it won't exist at the grassroots either – where most referees are volunteers, not professionals. So how do we fix this? The standards must be set in professional sport by putting the shoe on the other foot. If a player is suspended for a dangerous tackle, they can attend 'tackle school' to learn proper technique. Why not introduce officiating school for those caught abusing referees? Let them experience what it's like to be in the middle. Run the drills. Make the calls. Feel the pressure. See how many infringements they miss. Hey they might actually like it and want to become a referee. These rules should be applied at all levels – because this problem exists everywhere. If it keeps happening, simply hit them in the pocket. Another idea is post-match referee interviews. Giving officials the opportunity to explain their decisions could add much-needed transparency and defuse criticism. An example of this occurred in 2015 when Gerrard Sutton appeared on The Footy Show, less than a week after being caught up in one of the most talked about incidents in the modern rugby league era. Bulldogs captain James Graham blew up at referee Sutton after a late penalty saw his side lose to the Rabbitohs in their annual Good Friday clash. James Graham (middle) of the Bulldogs confronts referee, Gerard Sutton. Photo / Getty Images Sutton needed protection as he left the field with fans throwing bottles at him. Graham later did he admit he didn't even know about the rule that led to the penalty, and it turned out most of the public didn't either, but the one man who did was the man with the whistle in Sutton. Sports like rugby and league have continual rule changes and the average punter struggles to keep up at the best of times, so having that level of insight would provide some clarity. Of course, there will always be emotion in sport. And yes, sometimes a decision feels unjust. But that doesn't justify threats, intimidation, or personal attacks. Everyone involved shares the responsibility of protecting the game's integrity. Referees aren't above criticism. But they are human. And if we don't act now to protect them, we won't just lose referees – we'll lose the spirit of the game itself. It's time other sports and other codes followed in the footsteps of Horowhenua-Kāpiti. Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
1News
26-06-2025
- Sport
- 1News
Rugby union postpones all club games after referee abuse
Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) is postponing all club games this weekend due to ongoing referees abuse, according to social media post. It said on June 21 a referee officiating a college rugby match between its college team and a visiting school side "was subjected to serious verbal abuse and physical intimidation. Abuse was directed at the referee throughout the match by multiple visiting individuals, culminating in a situation so concerning that members of the public felt compelled to escort the referee to his vehicle following the game, for his safety". "Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Football Union is appalled by this behaviour and stands with our match officials. This conduct has no place in our game, at any level and will not be tolerated." The union issued a warning at the end of May that they would consider cancelling games after it said a referee was threatened with being stabbed. That statement, it said, made clear that the safety and respect of referees was non-negotiable. ADVERTISEMENT The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Iran strikes report, stranded travellers land safely, rough weather coming, Bezos' wedding under fire, Kiwi basketballer joins LA Lakers. (Source: 1News) In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the union said all rugby across the union on June 28 would be postponed, including junior, college-grade and senior matches. "This will provide time to reflect and consider what kind of rugby environment we are creating and enabling. We must take collective responsibility to protect our referees, uphold the mana of our game, and ensure that rugby remains a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved. "The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Stand up and show your support for our Match Officials," chief executive Corey Kennett said. In late May Kennett had said referees were being physically threatened, some faced physical abuse and a referee had been struck with a piece of field equipment, and one referee being threatened to be stabbed. The union Board was united in its condemnation of this behaviour, chairperson John Cribb said in the Wednesday night post. "It is unacceptable and not what we expect from anyone involved in rugby. Whether you're a player, coach, parent, or supporter, you have a responsibility to uphold the values of our game. Referee abuse undermines everything we stand for and will not be tolerated. We expect better, and our referees deserve better." ADVERTISEMENT
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Rugby union considers match cancellations after referee stabbing threat
File photo. Photo: Unsplash / Davide Buttani The Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) is considering cancelling games after a referee was threatened with being stabbed. The union posted on social media that it was "deeply concerned about the escalating abuse directed at our referees, including recent incidents of verbal threats, threats of physical harm, including being stabbed, and actual physical abuse." It said it had been decided that if there are were further instances of serious referee abuse, all senior club rugby across the region would be cancelled for one full weekend. A Thames Valley v Horowhenua-Kāpiti match in 2022. File photo Photo: © Jason Bartley 2022 © Photosport Ltd 2022 / HKRFU said the problem had reached a tipping point, and the "safety and well-being of our match officials must take absolute priority". "This is not a decision we take lightly, but it is a necessary step to send a clear and unequivocal message, abuse will not be tolerated." If cancelled, those games would be rescheduled for later in the season. HKRFU chief executive Corey Kennett said the behaviour was "completely unacceptable" and "in direct opposition to the values of respect, safety, and integrity that underpin our great game". He said the problem had been building. "You've got to paint the landscape and this is not one weekend's activity. This is a culmination of the degradation of respect for match officials over a period of time," Kennett said. "What it culminated in is referees being physically threatened, some physical abuse with a referee being struck with a piece of field equipment, and then one referee being threatened to be stabbed. "We're just not going to walk past it. For us, the standard you walk past is the standard you accept, and so we're just not going to accept that." Kennett said HKFRU are investigating the two incidents, both of which were at senior games, and the police are involved. He's confident those responsible will be found. "We've got ongoing investigations so I can't comment on exact detail, but we have a pretty good hit record on identification," Kennett said. "Rugby's a pretty small and committed community, so it's rare for someone to be unidentified. "When we do (identify them) we prosecute them to the full extent of what we can and we always see a fantastic response from member clubs in particular who support that wholeheartedly." Horowhenua Kāpiti celebrate. Lochore Cup Final. 2018. Photo: John Cowpland/Photosport Ltd 2018 Kennett said the problem isn't confined to Horowhenua-Kāpiti. "Absolutely. It's a country wide epidemic. In fact if we were to have a table of the worst cases of abuse, we're (HKRFU) far from the worst. "But it doesn't stop the effect of what is happening. These volunteers that go out every week and enable the game to happen. They don't go along to watch. They don't go along to sit down and take it easy. They make the game happen. "This game does not happen without them. They will leave their home, their family. They will take time off work. We're always short of referees and we will have them officiating in two to three games per day and sad fact is they could be abused at all three to various levels of abuse. "We just need people to really have a look in the mirror and some of them need to give themselves an uppercut, but some of them need to think about what would you do if that's your family member, your husband, your wife, your son, your daughter. You know, what would you do? Are you going to walk past that standard or are you going to stand up and do something and that's what we need." Kennett said referees are essential volunteers to the sport and deserve to officiate without fear of abuse or intimidation. He said the abuse was disappointing but the response from clubs and others in the province had been heartwarming. "We've had the whole of the rugby community agreed to this 100% unanimously, that we had to do something. "The Rugby Referees Association have been incredibly thankful for the support and they've been involved in the process the whole way. "What we're hoping is that we can get a combined approach and try and get this under control." The Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Referees Association said in a statement that it backed the union's decision to draw a line in the sand. "We are thank full for the support we have received from the whole Rugby Community to address abuse. "We very much appreciated being involved in the process and support fully the stance taken by the Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Union."
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Provinces have confidence in NZ Rugby - but with a limit
Buller team celebrate winning the Heartland championship Lochore Cup Final. Buller v South Canterbury. Victoria Square, Westport. Photo: Chris Symes Losing the essence of New Zealand Rugby remains a prevalent fear among the grassroots level of the game. This comes in the wake of the news that NZ Rugby recorded a third consecutive financial loss in 2024, just shy of $20 million . The nation's 26 provincial rugby unions met with the country's governing body at the AGM yesterday to strategise for a sound financial future. Despite again being in the red, Horowhenua Kāpiti chair Corey Kennett said most provinces were willing to give the board time. "I think there is confidence, but it does have a limit. We obviously are in a very tough times where we need to see deliverables and in particular around funding around how we look after the community game and the financial horsepower needed to make that happen has got to keep going. We're hopeful and there has been some great developments." Kennett understood these were trying times. "When we look at the loss, any loss is undesirable, but there are extenuating circumstances." He noted the investment in the commercial strategy and a drop in the US dollar as reasons for the shortfall. Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers shared similar sentiments. "They did a really good job of helping us understand the position, and we know there's already work underway with New Zealand Rugby around financial sustainability." He was also noted needing to allow the new board time to implement its strategies. "We all know that that's not a sustainable model to make losses like that. So I think the next phase of how New Zealand rugby operate in terms of the actions they take are going to be pretty critical for the game. I think we do have to be prepared to have some patience, but that doesn't mean that we can sort of sit on our hands. We certainly need to see action." Kaleb Foote of King Country celebrates his try during the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Hawkes Bay and King Country at Hastings Sports Park (Mitre 10 Park) in Hastings, New Zealand on Wednesday June 26, 2024. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Buller CEO Phill Gower was also pragmatic about the losses. "Rugby costs money to run, doesn't it? And we've got to get money from somewhere. So if we have a shortfall, it's either from the fact that we haven't received enough money in sponsorship or revenues, so therefore that's what we've really got to look at and try and bring up." Kennett said he feels the new NZR board are far less disconnected to the grassroots game than their predecessors. "The new board I can report have made more efforts than we have seen previously. There's been a positive realisation that work needed to be done in that space to increase collaboration, communication. The proof will be in the pudding." Rogers said there must always an ongoing conversation around supporting the community game. "That is obviously the foundation of what's made New Zealand rugby so strong over 130-odd years. Our job as provincial unions is to advocate as strongly as possible for investment in the community game. We do also need to appreciate that it is a balance and value the role of the All Blacks and Black Ferns play in generating revenue and that can be invested back in the community, it's not an easy position for New Zealand rugby to manage." Junior Rugby Open Grade, Carlton v University, Saturday 21 August 2010. War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga Kennett believed while most provinces were smartly spending their money on the community, some were prioritising 'buying trophies'. "We have to look at what is our reason for being and our reason for being is for promoting the in all areas, the professional, semi-professional and amateur game." He said there is a risk of losing what makes New Zealand Rugby not only special, but successful. "In the heartland space in particular, we are working hard with our heartland brother and sister unions to make sure that we stay in the amateur game and don't try and go into the semi-professional, paying for players to pay when we are in an amateur game." He believed with the right innovations, the NPC will endure. "I mean it's no secret. There were models that were very difficult to sustain. Some unions are sustaining it, but what is evident is there needs to be change in some ways. I think NPC will always be there. To what level of professionalism or semi-professional the competition is, that's probably the real question going forward and whatever it is, it has to be financially sustainable in whatever mode you come up with." Rogers also stressed the importance of our domestic competitions. "The NPC and FPC are our point of difference and sort of a secret sauce of what makes rugby in New Zealand so strong. Our challenge is to continue to grow it, make it strong, and viable." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Provinces have in NZ Rugby - but with a limit
Buller team celebrate winning the Heartland championship Lochore Cup Final. Buller v South Canterbury. Victoria Square, Westport. Photo: Chris Symes Losing the essence of New Zealand Rugby remains a prevalent fear among the grassroots level of the game. This comes in the wake of the news that NZ Rugby recorded a third consecutive financial loss in 2024, just shy of $20 million . The nation's 26 provincial rugby unions met with the country's governing body at the AGM yesterday to strategise for a sound financial future. Despite again being in the red, Horowhenua Kāpiti chair Corey Kennett said most provinces were willing to give the board time. "I think there is confidence, but it does have a limit. We obviously are in a very tough times where we need to see deliverables and in particular around funding around how we look after the community game and the financial horsepower needed to make that happen has got to keep going. We're hopeful and there has been some great developments." Kennett understood these were trying times. "When we look at the loss, any loss is undesirable, but there are extenuating circumstances." He noted the investment in the commercial strategy and a drop in the US dollar as reasons for the shortfall. Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers shared similar sentiments. "They did a really good job of helping us understand the position, and we know there's already work underway with New Zealand Rugby around financial sustainability." He was also noted needing to allow the new board time to implement its strategies. "We all know that that's not a sustainable model to make losses like that. So I think the next phase of how New Zealand rugby operate in terms of the actions they take are going to be pretty critical for the game. I think we do have to be prepared to have some patience, but that doesn't mean that we can sort of sit on our hands. We certainly need to see action." Kaleb Foote of King Country celebrates his try during the Ranfurly Shield rugby match between Hawkes Bay and King Country at Hastings Sports Park (Mitre 10 Park) in Hastings, New Zealand on Wednesday June 26, 2024. Photo: Aaron Gillions / Buller CEO Phill Gower was also pragmatic about the losses. "Rugby costs money to run, doesn't it? And we've got to get money from somewhere. So if we have a shortfall, it's either from the fact that we haven't received enough money in sponsorship or revenues, so therefore that's what we've really got to look at and try and bring up." Kennett said he feels the new NZR board are far less disconnected to the grassroots game than their predecessors. "The new board I can report have made more efforts than we have seen previously. There's been a positive realisation that work needed to be done in that space to increase collaboration, communication. The proof will be in the pudding." Rogers said there must always an ongoing conversation around supporting the community game. "That is obviously the foundation of what's made New Zealand rugby so strong over 130-odd years. Our job as provincial unions is to advocate as strongly as possible for investment in the community game. We do also need to appreciate that it is a balance and value the role of the All Blacks and Black Ferns play in generating revenue and that can be invested back in the community, it's not an easy position for New Zealand rugby to manage." Junior Rugby Open Grade, Carlton v University, Saturday 21 August 2010. War Memorial Park, Mt Roskill, Auckland, New Zealand. Photo: Andrew Cornaga Kennett believed while most provinces were smartly spending their money on the community, some were prioritising 'buying trophies'. "We have to look at what is our reason for being and our reason for being is for promoting the in all areas, the professional, semi-professional and amateur game." He said there is a risk of losing what makes New Zealand Rugby not only special, but successful. "In the heartland space in particular, we are working hard with our heartland brother and sister unions to make sure that we stay in the amateur game and don't try and go into the semi-professional, paying for players to pay when we are in an amateur game." He believed with the right innovations, the NPC will endure. "I mean it's no secret. There were models that were very difficult to sustain. Some unions are sustaining it, but what is evident is there needs to be change in some ways. I think NPC will always be there. To what level of professionalism or semi-professional the competition is, that's probably the real question going forward and whatever it is, it has to be financially sustainable in whatever mode you come up with." Rogers also stressed the importance of our domestic competitions. "The NPC and FPC are our point of difference and sort of a secret sauce of what makes rugby in New Zealand so strong. Our challenge is to continue to grow it, make it strong, and viable." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
