It's hoped the landmark private equity deal with US firm Silver Lake can pave the way for professional rugby to continue to grow in New Zealand.
On Thursday, the 26 provincial unions voted in favour of the $200 million deal, with Silver Lake acquiring a stake between 5.7 and 8.6 percent in New Zealand Rugby's commercial rights.
And those in the game here say it's a game-changer at every level.
As the 26 provincial unions handed the much-maligned Silver Lake deal the votes it needed to pass today, their approval brought with it the biggest shake-up to New Zealand's national game since it went professional.
"We know now that we need to change to be able to meet what a changing market looks like in rugby," NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said.
"Some of this resource allows us to do that."
The deal is a win for both the grassroots and the professional game.
Of the $200 million deal, 36.5 percent will go to the players, while the provincial unions will pick up 17 percent.
And with participation levels dipping in youth rugby, it's hoped this top-up will help change that.
"It gives us and clubs the ability to now spend and invest into those programmes," Heartland unions chair Craig Calder said.
But those leaving New Zealand at a professional level are also causing concern.
"We need to make sure we stay ahead of the game and stay ahead of the competition on the other side of the world," says Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
"This money is a boost that can help towards that."
Robinson is just as confident a Silver Lake top-up can help put the brakes on the ongoing exodus of players chasing money overseas.
"The player talent is critical to us, as is the coaching talent," he added. "We think that'll give us the best part of retaining those key people."
The approval will also provide a big boost for the women's game. Super Rugby Aupiki could only get off the ground in a condensed version this year, but the vision continues to grow.
"There's amazing opportunity in the women's game for a Super Rugby competition to transcend the borders of New Zealand and into Australia, maybe North America and Japan," Robinson continued.
New Zealand Rugby is ready to think big with its new private equity partner.
