Former New Zealand flyhalf Harry Plummer has expressed confidence that rugby bosses in his home country will find a suitable solution for the domestic game. Plummer, who now plays for French club Clermont, made the comments amid reports of potential changes to Super Rugby. The tournament currently features five teams from New Zealand, four from Australia, and a Fijian franchise, as well as the second-tier National Provincial Championship.
According to reports, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is set to discuss a new national competition to replace Super Rugby at a meeting on Thursday. The proposed changes come as NZR faces financial challenges. Plummer, who left the Auckland-based Blues in 2025 to join Clermont, had a successful maiden season in the Top 14, finishing as the league's leading points scorer.
Plummer, 28, is familiar with the New Zealand rugby scene, having made his one and only Test appearance for the All Blacks off the bench against Australia in September 2024. He believes that New Zealand Rugby has a unique and exciting brand of rugby. "They like to play and they're obviously known for that," he said at the Top 14's annual awards ceremony, La Nuit du Rugby.
The former All Black is convinced that New Zealand Rugby will find a way to showcase the country's abundant talent. "I'm sure they'll come to the correct solution for the region to be able to showcase the talent they have because there's more talent than meets the eye," Plummer added. His move abroad effectively closed the door on his Test career.
Despite this, Plummer expressed happiness about his decision to move to France. "There's always going to be downsides to moving away from home and that was one of them, but there's plenty more upsides as well," he said. Plummer was part of the 2024 Super Rugby champion team before joining Clermont.
NZR will discuss one of three proposals for a new national competition at their upcoming meeting. The changes are aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by the organization. Plummer's comments suggest that he has faith in the ability of New Zealand Rugby to find a solution that works for the country's rugby community.
As a leading figure in New Zealand rugby, Plummer's views carry weight. His experience playing for both the All Blacks and in the Top 14 provides him with a unique perspective on the sport. With the future of Super Rugby uncertain, Plummer's confidence in New Zealand Rugby's ability to find a solution will be welcomed by fans of the sport.
Key points
- New Zealand Rugby to discuss new national competition amid financial challenges.
- Former All Black Harry Plummer confident in New Zealand's ability to find a solution.
- Plummer had a successful maiden season in the Top 14 with French club Clermont.
