Rugby League Dominance in New Zealand: Time for NRL Expansion to Christchurch

Rugby league has officially taken over rugby union in New Zealand, with bumper television ratings, sellout crowds, and a surge in popularity for the Warriors. The rise of the Warriors has been so significant that even Super Rugby players have been seen wearing Warriors jumpers to NRL games.

The success of the Warriors has sparked a new movement in New Zealand, with red-wine drinking rugby union fans converting to the 13-man code, now known as the Pinot Wahs. The Warriors have become the hottest sporting ticket in the country, with six successive sellouts this year, four in Auckland and two in Christchurch.

Former New Zealand coach Graham Lowe compared the buzz around the Warriors to the excitement felt when the All Blacks won the World Cup. The inroads rugby league is making in New Zealand have never been seen before, with a 20% drop in player participation in rugby union in secondary schools between 2000 and 2020.

The NRL, led by Peter V’landys, is now eyeing further expansion in New Zealand, with the possibility of introducing a South Island franchise based in Christchurch. The success of the Warriors has proven that rugby league is dominating the sporting landscape in New Zealand, with television ratings up 32% on last year’s average and attendances up 59% on the entire 2019 season.

The Warriors’ rise to prominence has been a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that was once considered a basket case. With a new coach, Andrew Webster, and a new administration led by CEO Cameron George, the Warriors have become a force to be reckoned with in New Zealand sport.

As rugby union in New Zealand continues to struggle, the NRL sees an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of rugby league. With the Warriors leading the charge, the NRL is now considering expansion to the South Island, further solidifying rugby league’s dominance in New Zealand.