Suggestions that television viewers for Super 15 rugby and National Rugby League games have plummeted by 50% raises the theory that fans can't be bothered watching.
Sky executives are downplaying these figures, suggesting methods of collecting data don't take into consideration the latest technology (such as MySky).
This drop in viewership may be a trend or just a glitch in the system, but what has caused this viewer apathy? Is it the early season blues, the difficult economic times, or the lack of exciting and entertaining games?
In order to entice viewers back, perhaps the cameras should focus on the sidelinesand boardrooms, where there is a lot more controversy and drama going on.
As the seasons change, so too, do those who hold positions of power. Chief executives and owners are coming and going, as are coaches.
Unlike David Nucifora, who got to see the 2004 season out, Andy Friend was unceremoniously dumped as the Brumbies head coach two games into the season.
His replacement, Tony Rea, doesn't seem to be much safer from getting the chop, even though the Brumbies halted their losing streak against the hapless Hurricanes. In fact, Rea may have passed the guillotine on to Mark Hammett over the weekend.
Some coaches are unceremoniously pushed off their perch while others choose to leave of their own free will.
Ian Foster has done such a thing and announced he will be stepping down after eight seasons in charge of the Chiefs.
For every coach that loses their job, another is more than eager to take their place. Dave Rennie ended weeks of speculation by confirming he has applied for the Chiefs job and he may be the preferred candidate.
Once again the coaches' version of musical chairs begins and the Chiefs' gain may be the Manawatu Turbos' loss.
Such is the life of a coach, and this transient lifestyle isn't reserved for rugby. After three years with the Central Pulse team, Yvette McCausland-Durie has decided to hand over the reins of one of the most challenging franchises to another resilient individual.
I think Yvette was a legend sticking with this team for as long as she did, and her hard work is only just starting to pay off.
Obviously, this hard work came at a price and she is no longer willing to pay it. It may be time for Gail Parata, the eternal assistant coach, to step up and take on the poisoned chalice.
The lifespan of most head coaches tends to be brief unless you are a legend like Wayne Bennett, who turns everything he touches to gold.
Across the ditch, Bennett has signed a four-year deal with the Newcastle Knights and claims his decision was influenced by the vision and passion expressed by the new Knights owner, multimillionaire mining magnate Nathan Tinkler.
Wouldn't we all have an abundance of vision and passion if we had the resources to make our dreams come true?Couldn't someone entice Bennett to move to the Super City of Auckland for the abundance of passion, resources and vision associated with the Warriors?
As the performance of the team and bottom line become increasingly co-dependent, so too, does the relationship between coaches, CEOs and board members.
American business tycoon Stan Kroenke looks set to take over Arsenal, although he is trying to woo other shareholders before going in for the kill. If he does successfully claim control of the club, will he be able to turn the tables with regards to its on-field performance? Will he suffer the same fate as Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos?
Not to be left behind in the change of winds, Wellington rugby also has a new boss in the form of James Te Puni, a local boy who has worked his way through the business world via Hallensteins, Te Papa Museum and New Zealand Post.
Rugby may be his biggest challenge yet, in terms of encouraging crowds back to Westpac Stadium for provincial and Super 15 games.
He talks of reconnecting with the people and getting people to forego their 32-inch LCD screen to experience the real thing in the Cake Tin. A big part of this reconnection requires a winning team, and so far Te Puni said Hammett had his full backing, despite the side's poor results.
Don't be fooled, Hammett. He may dress well, but looks can be deceiving. The suit may be cheap and you could get a Dear John letter in the snail post and be on display as a short-span professional coach species at Te Papa before you know it.
