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Fisher sinks All Blacks' chairman announces resignation
Posted: Friday November 26, 1999 11:46 AM
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) -- New Zealand rugby chairman Rob Fisher joined coach John Hart as a victim of the All Blacks' disastrous World Cup campaign Thursday when he announced he would quit early next year. Fisher made his decision partly because of his duties as deputy chairman of the International Board, his recent appointment as chairman of a law firm and because of New Zealand's World Cup failure. "I am obviously disappointed with the results on the field this year, but I have done the things that I am good at in the commercial and marketing side of things," said Fisher. "So, I am happy with what has been achieved as chairman, but the results are a disappointment as far as the All Blacks go." New Zealand was on course for the final before it lost an amazing semifinal against France. It then crashed to fourth with defeat to South Africa in a playoff and will be forced to qualify for the next tournament. "All New Zealand fans are hugely disappointed with the loss at the World Cup or if you didn't feel that way you probably weren't a genuine fan," Fisher said. "The statistics in growth of the game have never been better, the public support and feeling for the game is extraordinary, bordering on excellence." Fisher said he had a successor in mind. While he wouldn't name him, Fisher said he was capable of carrying New Zealand rugby even further. "Talent-wise we have the players who can go on and win the 2003 World Cup and financially the game is secure now, which is not something we could have said three years ago," Fisher said. Coach John Hart, strongly backed by Fisher despite a dreadful season last year, quit the day after the playoff defeat in Cardiff.
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