Professional rugby players have warned that, if provincial unions retain control of NZ Rugby governance, they will form a breakway body to administer the pro game in New Zealand.
The warning is the latest twist in the power struggle currently waging over the code, which will come to a head with a special general meeting vote on May 30.
At the meeting, provincial unions and the NZ Māori Rugby Board will choose between two governance models for the game - one based on the recommendations of an expert independent review last year and the other developed by the unions themselves, effectively keeping their current control.
The Pilkington Report described the existing model as "not fit for purpose" and urged NZ Rugby to change the way it does business.
"The review panel went on to lay out a new governance regime for New Zealand rugby based on successful models from all over the world," the NZ Rugby Players Association told unions. "They sought to do what we have all always strived to do in rugby - be world class.
"A group of provincial unions have drafted an alternative proposal, which they believe is better... than a proposal designed by an expert panel after six months of consultation with all stakeholders in the game, and reviewing sports and organisational governance all over the world.
"The professional rugby players of New Zealand will not be governed by the failed governance process and outcomes currently in place in New Zealand.
"The adoption [of the proposal] will be a clear sign to the professional players that provincial unions believe rugby in New Zealand should be governed by provincial unions for provincial unions.
"A new body will be established to govern the professional game in New Zealand.
"This new body - for example, called 'The Professional Rugby Tribunal' - will govern, in some sort of partnership with NZRU, the sale of media rights, the contracting of sponsors, the revenue share model, international and national competitions, the high-performance programmes and development pathways, and any other activity that impacts the careers, safety, remuneration, workplace and development of professional players.
"NZRU will continue to govern alone the community and amateur game, including provincial rugby, club rugby and other non-professional rugby activities."
The NZ Rugby Players Association have therefore urged the union representatives to support the independent panel recommendations.
