Opinion: Time for Steve Tew to go

Steve Tew has become part of the problem rugby now faces (file)
Steve Tew has become part of the problem rugby now faces (file)

Whoever allowed Steve Tew to front up this morning and be grilled over Losi Filipo should lose their job.

It was PR f**k-up number 32.

But let's focus on Steve Tew. It's time for him to go as the boss of NZ Rugby.

He has become part of the problem rugby now faces, and I don't believe he's part of the wider solution.

Top rugby bosses in this country in the wake of the Chiefs fiasco, and this Filipo trainwreck, look defensive and Tew's oversight and leadership is locked in a time-warp from the 1960s.

He comes across as a born-to-rule dictator and his continued defence of the indefensible should see him red-carded from rugby union headquarters.

NZR keeps saying it will not tolerate poor behaviour by players, but those are weasel words. Its actions back none of this up.

It says one thing to sound impressive and does the opposite, which is woeful.

The Chiefs boss and the Wellington Rugby Union CEO have also had shameful performances in recent weeks.

The WRU backed Filipo and clung to him until it was obvious he had to go. It showed no leadership and even worse judgement.

But that's rugby at the highest levels under Tew these days - backscratching and protecting the bad boys.

Tew is in charge of a stuffy, small, boys club that clings to its perks and privileges, and it's time he went. 

Aloof is a word that springs to mind.

And let's give one more example. Despite its token push of the women's game, not one board member is female. 

Tew's time is up and a fresh face and a refreshing new approach is needed. ASAP.