THE idea that New Zealand should share the gate takings at Twickenham, and elsewhere in Europe, when they come north is still being punted about. A 50-50 split is not only unmerited, it is pie in the sky – unless the NZRU decide they want to pay a 50 per cent contribution to the upkeep of Twickenham and other stadiums.
As it stands the home Unions, in the guise of the British & Irish Lions, already pump millions into the NZRU’s coffers. The 2017 tour saw the New Zealand Union bank a massive £17.5m, and that record profit cleared their debts and gave them capital going ...