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The Live Sport Bible is here!'Inspired by rugby, not defined by it': Blues Rugby CEO Karl Budge on improving the live experience
Sport Nation • May 15th, 2026 4:43 pm
Blues CEO Karl Budge | Photo: Photosport
No topic was off the table for Karl Budge in this 'Ask Me Anything' session with Sport Nation Mornings hosts Riccardo Ball and Alex Chapman.
The Blues CEO openly discusses the state of the Super Rugby franchise, exploring opportunities to bring more people to the game and how it can become a better live event experience for more people at Eden Park, not just for the rugby die-hards.
The Blues CEO openly discusses the state of the Super Rugby franchise, exploring opportunities to bring more people to the game and how it can become a better live event experience for more people at Eden Park, not just for the rugby die-hards.
"I want it to be a club that is inspired by rugby, but not defined by it. And so rugby's got to be always what we do," Budge said.
"But we've got to mean a whole lot more to a whole lot more people than just the result after 80 minutes."
They also discuss how the Blues are inspired by the fandom that cross-town clubs Auckland FC and the NZ Warriors enjoy, what they can learn from them, and what the CEO's biggest challenge has been since coming into the role.
They also discuss how the Blues are inspired by the fandom that cross-town clubs Auckland FC and the NZ Warriors enjoy, what they can learn from them, and what the CEO's biggest challenge has been since coming into the role.
"I'm surprised around just how much passion and love there is for the game," Budge admitted.
"I do genuinely think that it is a privilege that everybody cares about every little decision... I think some of the tone around the game has surprised me, some of the negative stuff at present.
"There's a lot going on in our sport, so I think that's probably been a little bit surprising when a lot of the data and the evidence suggests something else."
Watch the full interview via the Sport Nation YouTube below:
