Kiwis start RWC review

NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs

Auckland lawyer Mike Heron and Don Tricker from Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) will review the All Blacks' failed World Cup campaign.

Their review begins this week, according to a statement from the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).

The final report is due to the NZRU Board of Directors in April.

"We expect there are lessons out of this year's Cup campaign," said NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs, "and the independent review will be of benefit to both the All Blacks and the wider organisation."

Hobbs noted that the NZRU board set a timeline that would encourage a thorough and thoughtful review.

"It is important to take the time to have a very deliberate and considered look at the campaign."

The reviewers are tasked with scrutinising all aspects of the All Blacks' campaign.

Heron, a partner in the law firm of Russell McVeagh, has experience with rugby-related reviews. The former Wellington Under-21 representative has previously investigated provincial contracting practices and also reviewed SANZAR's judicial procedures.

Tricker is a performance consultant, coaching for SPARC and has first-hand knowledge of the All Blacks operations after spending a Test week with the team in both 2005 and 2007.

"We have sought, and are pleased to have secured, two people who will be both independent of the NZRU and insightful," said Hobbs.

"We appreciate that SPARC has made Don [Tricker] available to assist in this important process. Don's involvement reflects the knowledge and expertise of SPARC in high performance sport."