Badly managed Melbourne bid has rugby on the skids
Roar Guru By johnhunt92, 30 Sep 2009 johnhunt92 is a Roar Guru
- Tagged:
- melbourne rugby, Rugby Union, Super 15, Super Rugby 2011
In my last article, I mentioned how control of Australian rugby is in the hands of self-absorbed people who don’t care about rugby. I was pasted by certain people for this supposed “arrogant” attitude and was told go “back under my rock.”
Well, I now have vindication for my attitude, looking at the debacle that is the Melbourne bid for the expanded Super 15 competition.
Melbourne does not deserve a team this time around.
Its campaign has been marred by bitter in-fighting and egotism that should cost Melbourne a Super 15 side. Both sides of the argument have refused to put aside their differences simply because they are selfish.
I hope in the end when the Melbourne bid loses out that there is significant scrutiny on their actions by Melbournian rugby lovers on how they could stuff this golden opportunity up.
But attitude reflects leadership and the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has no leadership.
If the ARU wanted to show leadership, they should have backed one of the consortiums and stuck with them. Instead, the ARU fanny danced around the subject and switched allegiances too many times.
Then only recently they took over the bid before on Monday handing it back to the Vic Super15 group.
This episode reflects a lack of leadership in the ARU.
It was once considered the best run sporting code in the country, with strong leadership. Now it is a laughing stock run by has-beens and self-seeking people.
What makes it more damming is the NRL under David Gallop is having huge player problems yet is more popular than ever.
It looks almost certain that a sixth South African side will win and play in the Australian Conference. Melbourne looks doomed to never have a professional rugby side and it all the ARU’s fault.
Change needs to come if rugby can salvage any pride.
Recommend this story.
- Explore:
- melbourne rugby, Rugby Union, Super 15, Super Rugby 2011
September 30th 2009 @ 2:27pm
Republican said | September 30th 2009 @ 2:27pm | Report comment
Well, the perfidious ARU will now re locate the Brumby’s to Melbourne, simple as that. Corporate muscle will again win out over tradition, loyalty and tribalism.
By the way, the ACT grassroots have regressed since the inception of the Brumy’s in Canberra. Vic and WA have larger Aust Schoolboys representation this year with ACT’s contribution a solitary lad from SEC, so nothing has changed in that respect.
Union is whithering on the vine in the ACT for all the reasons alluded to here and more and this despite being an historically strong nursery – go figure!
September 30th 2009 @ 4:59pm
Chris said | September 30th 2009 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
and yet the Brumbies crowd average was up almost 4,000 last year. If the ARU want’s me to exchange my Brumby membership for a Raiders one then I am all too willing.
September 30th 2009 @ 2:34pm
Brian said | September 30th 2009 @ 2:34pm | Report comment
I dont know a whole heap about RU but I’ll add two points
1. Melbourne needs a S15 team before all this cities RU supporters are lost to the Storm. 10 years ago RU was much bigger than RL here, now its about even, does the ARU wanna see what happens in another 10 years.
2. How could a SA based team travelling twice as much as any other team in the comp ever hope to win the S15. The toll of travel compared to their opponents would be huge in a physically demanding sport such as RU
September 30th 2009 @ 2:38pm
Rob said | September 30th 2009 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
John, I occasionally write things that are not always thoroughly thought out or are from left field and I often get told that what I write is rubbish. I don’t care and neither should you. I wonder if there are stooges from HQ who read articles and then parrot the party line?
September 30th 2009 @ 2:42pm
Hammer said | September 30th 2009 @ 2:42pm | Report comment
Aust don’t deserve a 5th team … there is certainly not the depth of players to fill it and the administration from the top through to State level is pathetic …
It will be interesting to see how SANZAR view this mess – if the NZ now decide to back the Kings after witnesing this mess – will the ARU fall into line to ensure the expansion they themselves pushed for … or will they veto it – displaying they’ve only got their own interests at heart and not the competitions as a whole …
September 30th 2009 @ 5:07pm
Pippinu said | September 30th 2009 @ 5:07pm | Report comment
Surely it’s in NZ’s interest to have rugby in a strong position in Australia?
I don’t buy the talent pool argument.
We hear it in the AFL, in the A-League, in rugby – but if the opportunities are there, and the pathways are there – the talent will gravitate to those opportunities.
But if there are few openings to be a professional player (in any given sport) – then you can rest assured that no professional players will be produced.
I’m reading on another thread how a team containing very few celebrated players has just won a grand final for the 2nd year running, presumably chock full of young players.
September 30th 2009 @ 5:11pm
Pippinu said | September 30th 2009 @ 5:11pm | Report comment
I think in the last few days the AFL has held its annual draft camp in Canberra, for about 70 17 year old hopefuls from all over Australia.
Most will be drafted by the end of the year. About half will end up making a name for themselves in years to come.
Is anyone here going to tell me that the ARU would be incapable of organising a similar camp for 70 elite teenagers on an annual basis, from which half could eventually make their way to any one of the five super teams?
Of course it’s possible.
September 30th 2009 @ 5:13pm
Republican said | September 30th 2009 @ 5:13pm | Report comment
Chris
Up from where?
The av capacity about five years ago was 20c plus at Brumby home games. it has been dropping ever since and has naught to do with the teams performance and alot to do with the ARU’s contempt for ACTRU as well as a decade and more of threats of relocation despite incredible support and success.
That’s all ancient history now and those punters lost to the game will never have their faith restored – the damage was done along time ago and it is still anticipated that Melbourne will get there way no matter what happens with this latest super expansion bidding process.
The coalition i.e. the VRU, ARU and Brumby Rugby have always had this expedient option in waiting, mark my words.
October 1st 2009 @ 1:35pm
Chris said | October 1st 2009 @ 1:35pm | Report comment
So it has nothing to do with that fact the Brumbies won the comp 5 years ago? Next year when we win again (wait and see) the crowds will be back.
September 30th 2009 @ 5:53pm
Justin said | September 30th 2009 @ 5:53pm | Report comment
Can’t see NZ supporting SA. It makes no financial, logistical or performance sense to do so.
September 30th 2009 @ 8:30pm
Hansie said | September 30th 2009 @ 8:30pm | Report comment
I’m pretty much over the whole Vic Super 14 bid soap opera. Another self inflicted black eye for rugby (and O’Neill). The bid was in the bag, but defeat may yet be snatched from the jaws of victory.
September 30th 2009 @ 9:35pm
MarkH said | September 30th 2009 @ 9:35pm | Report comment
Im with Pippinu. NZ needs a strong Australia. Its in both NZ and Aust intrest for a side in melb. I can go to my Carlton games, GO BLUES, then straight into town for the Rugby.. GO REBELS. I recon come the end of Sept 2011, I will be a single man again.
Despite the fact that the process has been a joke, its good to see all getting together and coming up with a plan.
Melb will be out of control when this thing gets off the ground. I cant wait. I just hope that all these people understand that its not about them. Its about us the fans. The ARU needs to remember that. If you get you fans on side, the footy will look after itself.