I have thought about the idea of a separate union forming WSRU – and it really needs to be done, the NSWRU couldn’t care less about the West, this way, the WSRU should be able to get grants direct from the ARU, and develop the game where kids want to play.

The best way to do it would be when/if a new super franchise (the Rams??) is to be done – that way, a new union would be formed and it would have a team to represent it.

I dont know how Subbies would fit in here, personally I think the whole idea of premier rugby is outdated, and that these clubs should form with subbies as a whole as an extra division here. Alternatively there could be premier clubs in the NSWRU and WSRU, and Subbies would remain the same below it? Junior clubs would remain aligned with the respestive unions.

I don’t agree that Central Coast/Newcastle would need to be involved, if they were they should have either their own team, or provide the base for the Cockatoos – these areas are strong and growing, despite odds against them (bugger all funding against them, giants of futbol and rugby league dominating these areas), they are lucky enough not to have to deal with Uni and Randwick to date.

So carrying on your idea, you put a team in Campbelltown / Penrith/ Parramatta/ Hornsby /Central Coast / Newcastle. Seven teams if Eastwood or Southern Districts joined that’s eight regional teams each supported by a union of park rugby unions covering about 3.9 million people.

Play three rounds same as the A-League ……… then these unions provide the player and support base for a S14 team.

Is this what you are saying like a breakaway group leaving the remaining teams supporting the Taths.

Expand on your ideas a bit more it sounds interesting and am I on the right tract in understanding your tho’s

I agree we need a Western Sydney franchise in Super Rugby to lead the way.

However, I do not believe this side would/could represent either the CC or Newcastle areas, they are distinctive areas, and by having their own comps it means they don’t have to put up with the likes of Sydney Uni/Randwick.

Ideally I reckon a Melbourne, Western Sydney and NSW Country side are all feasible ideas for future Super rugby ideas. I would put it to JON that any of these franchises would be more important than selling one to the Japanese.

Having NSW Country Cockatoos playing out of Newcastle and CC and playing some games in areas – i.e Tamworth, Bathurst (now thats an area with a bloody strong rugby competition, the Central West) and a Western Sydney team would mean less work for the NSWRU.

I think NSWRU know this would deplete the favored Sydney clubs. Sydney clubs don’t want to travel; the Canberra club would without question. The Vikings are a well funded club (Made up by 3 separate clubs spread throughout south Canberra district) and could easily afford to fly the guys up each week. Furthermore they could afford to fly the opposition down as well.

But the Central Coast is closer to Sydney and really should have a team in the Shield. The Randwick and Uni mafia highjack Sydney rugby and hold the NSWRU administration to ransom…

remember we are talking about the NSWRU here, and if a decision is going to let Sydney Uni or Randwick get their name engraved on the trophy one more time they will go for it.

TT

I find that so unreal kick out the successful teams ……… thanks for the info …… but man thats just plain crazy.

Mud

If you looked at the strength of these unions why are they not invited to play …. TT has given us the answer …… they are to good …….. man this is so silly ……… and I tho the old NSL management was bad they now have a new contender for the title

Newcastle did have a team in the Premier rugby structure, but the Sydney clubs didn’t like it, and gave them the boot.

Canberra got booted as well…however that was to do with the fact that they kept on winning the comp!

That NSW rugby has never invited the CC & Newcastle teams to play in Sydney comp beggars disbelief ……… criminal negligence perhaps is to strong a term ………. both mate go back and click into those links especially Newcastle they are mega big……….. my son’s comment was maybe they are to successful and show Sydney unions up ………. especially those in WS.

It would be good to see a central coast team in the Shute Shield in coming years.

I am aware of the unlikely strength of the Newcastle/Hunter Rugby Union, some of the clubs in that union have got some very healthy sponsorship deals going and have some pretty good facilities…the reason is that I say unlikely is that everyone says Newcastle = Rugby League and Futbol only.

Im not as well informed on Central Coast rugby and its strengths, but as to why there are no teams from these areas in Sydney grade rugby…the same reason why the NSWRU has never considered playing a game there, or the same reason the Wildfires got booted.

Can I challenge you on something …….. you always talk about WS as it is something very special ……….. while I am not saying it is not, a tad further north there are two unions.

The Central Coast Rugby Union, and the Newcastle & Hunter Union , are both very successful unions and have been growing while Sydney leagues have gotten smaller…….. as I understand the Central Coast beat Penrith recently in an Australia wide knock out competition.

How can two such success stories never ever get a mention on this union site. For example the CCU is just over 30 years old and has grown from nothing in that time against enormous odds given RL supported by a number of very large clubs plays a competition equal to the Sydney second division with North’s, Newtown etc. OMG have a look at the Newcastle site its mega huge my guess bigger than Northern & Eastern Suburbs leagues …

Both unions have teams in poorer areas and have just kept growing.

Their combined population is 1.1 million or thereabouts …….. So Westy here is my Challenge to you ………. And all other bloggers what’s wrong with a team in Wyong …………

Can I challenge you on something …….. you always talk about WS as it is something very special ……….. while I am not saying it is not, a tad further north there are two unions.

The Central Coast Rugby Union, and the Newcastle & Hunter Union , are both very successful unions and have been growing while Sydney leagues have gotten smaller…….. as I understand the Central Coast beat Penrith recently in an Australia wide knock out competition.

How can two such success stories never ever get a mention on this union site. For example the CCU is just over 30 years old and has grown from nothing in that time against enormous odds given RL supported by a number of very large clubs plays a competition equal to the Sydney second division with North’s, Newtown etc. OMG have a look at the Newcastle site its mega huge my guess bigger than Northern & Eastern Suburbs leagues …

Both unions have teams in poorer areas and have just kept growing.

Their combined population is 1.1 million or thereabouts …….. So Westy here is my Challenge to you ………. And all other bloggers what’s wrong with a team in Wyong …………

CCU link http://www.centralcoastsports.com.au/RugbyUnion/1.htm
N/H link http://www.newcastlehunter.rugbynet.com.au/

when was the last time the Tahs played a game at 3pm?

On todays times, our friends from the mid north coast would be getting home after midnight.

I reckon it would be brilliant if the Tahs played one game each year in regional NSW.

I thought the people of Adelaide were still dizzy from watching those race cars rip round their city for all those years.

So applying that to the Tahs, Hire some bus/ticket packages for that would suit the R and R areas.

Buses leave at 9am from Mid north coast or Bathurst/Orange/ etc, arrive at SFS by 1pm, lunch and a few beers, watch the game (3-5pm) and then depart at 6pm for return trip, getting home at 10pm.

I went to a Brumbies Reds Sunday arvo game a few years ago in Canberra. Brilliant. And of course, it would fill the SFS, and further improve the atmosphere. Not sure what Fox Sports would say!!!

the games should at least be played in a decent sized stadium, 10-15K.

I dont think the Tahs would have too many supporters in Nimbin, and teams wouldn’t be too happy to have to travel out to Longreach either.

The Swans take a game to Manuka oval in Canberra each year. I could see Super 14 teams taking their most challenging adversary to the far-flung regions of their province to gain advantage…

A couple of examples chaps…
Tahs vs. Bulls at Nimbin
Brumbies vs. Crusaders at Gundagai
Reds vs. Highlanders at Longreach
Force vs. Blues at Broome

there could be something in this…make those ron the oad tours a little longer for the visitors…

the only Aussie franchise which has played a comp game away from their home ground are the Reds, who have played games in Townsville and maybe the Gold Coast.

Force I can understand, as the majority of the population of WA is in Perth, it wouldn’t make sense to play a game in Kalgoorlie or Broome for instance.

Would be good if the Brumbies could take a game to Wagga or Albury though?

The Tahs should aim to play at least one game away from SFS every year, maybe Parramatta, Penrith, Campbelltown, Wollongong, Newcastle, Central Coast? They claim to represent NSW (well the top half), why not play in some of those areas!

While Melbourne/Victoria might be willing to play a couple of games in Adelaide (& why not the other Aussie S14 franchises?) you can forget about a merger.

Nevertheless, I support the argument of your broad theme. I too dream mof the day when Adelaide/SA might have their own team in a national domestic comp.

As a rugby fan, I’m not looking to overtake AFL in Victoria & SA. But if rugby can find its niche support, then that’s basically what we want.

Melbourne would be a successful franchise while most players will be imported from the northern states there are many NZers and ex-pats in Melbourne that would flock back to live rugby. The new Melbourne rectangular stadium is important to ensure their supporters can fully enjoy the rugby experience…

I think there will only be a 5th Australian S14 team if the broadcasters agree to sign an extended season with one game against international teams and home and away against the national conference teams. But why wouldn’t they agree to that product?

Throw in a Melbourne S14 franchise and add a whole other state…2010 bring it on…

Westy won’t be happy I can’t see Western Sydney getting the 5th franchise…sorry Westy

no chance, the scene in Adelaide club rugby is piss-weak, and any support left over from the Power and the Crows is swallowed by the Adelaide futbol club.

IF a Melbourne side does get up, then it may be worthwhile having a game in Adelaide, but my gut instinct says no.