Mediation between New Zealand Rugby and its leading players begin this week in an attempt to align the two parties on the future financial path for the professional game.

The process is the first step towards the players trying to re-scope the proposed $465 million deal tabled by private equity group Silver Lake Partners to buy a 15 per cent stake in NZR's commercial rights.

The Players' Association opposes the move but former All Black Sir John Kirwan told Mike Hosking Breakfast he can see benefits.

"The professional side of the game is in pretty good shape, but we need to sort out the grassroots.

Equity coming into the game is inevitable, it's happening all around the world."

He says action's required as the game's influence on New Zealand society wanes.

"It would give us financial security, and also let us look at the grassroots of the game.

"Our game is in trouble. Players aren't playing, clubs are dying around the country, and we need to invest in the grassroots to make it part of New Zealand society again."