By AAP
November 12th 2009 @ 5:41am
Related coverage
They’re in! Melbourne awarded Super 15 licence
Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill - AP Photo/Mark Baker
Melbourne will play in an expanded Super 15 competition in 2011 after the Australian start-up franchise was given the nod ahead of South Africa’s Southern Kings.
SANZAR appointed a two-man panel of experts after initially being unable to make a unanimous decision and announced on Wednesday that Melbourne would be the new team.
The panel said Melbourne provided greater commercial benefit to SANZAR than the Southern Kings, from Eastern Cape Province.
“This is a vote for commonsense,” said ARU chief executive John O’Neill.
“Equally we want to recognise that the bid put forward for the Southern Kings was a very good one and it took an even better bid for Melbourne to win out.
“At some point in time, SANZAR will no doubt enjoy the company of the Southern Kings.
“However, at the moment, this is the right decision for SANZAR and it’s a momentous day for Australian rugby and the people of Melbourne.”
The Super 15 will comprise five teams from each of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
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Working Class Rugger said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:17am | Report comment
Well, this was entirely unexpected
. It was always going to Melbourne/Victoria. And I think everyone involved will walk away happy. We get a 5th team and the SARFU look as though they gave it a real dig before having the decision taken away from them. Everyone for the most part and now they can get on with the Media deal. My only problem is it took about 5-6 months longer than it should have.
Once the media deal is wrapped, I’d like to suggest that the ARU start working with the Western Sydney consortium on their bid for a future expansion by developing the region extensively. Even if it take 5-10 years, by investing in the area the returns would be more than worth it.
Rickety Knees said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:44am | Report comment
Spot on WCR – the sooner JON get’s serious about Western Sydney the better!
Dan said | November 12th 2009 @ 4:55pm | Report comment
I don’t know if it’s just me, but it the idea of a Western Sydney team seems to go against the nature of the Super Rugby tournament… How can you have a team from Western Sydney in the same competition as a team supposedly representing NSW? I know they’re franchises now and its not strictly true anymore, but I think it would just be weird to see a western Sydney side playing in the S14. It would be kind of like including the Brumbies in the Tri Nations to make it a four nations. Again, I understand that these sides aren’t really rep teams anymore, but still, it just somehow seems to undermine and cheapen the idea of Super Rugby to me. I’m all for getting western Sydney more into Rugby, but this should be done through the formation of a national tournament, not the S14/15… the players from Western Sydney should want to play FOR the Tahs, not against them. Perhaps we could start by playing some preseason NSW Tah matches out west or even around the state in places like Newcastle and the Central coast? Maybe we can end the SFS’s monopoly on the Tahs and spread the games around a little (even if it’s only 1 or 2 regular season matches a year). My point is that the Tahs belong to all of NSW and they need to start reflecting that.
cam said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:48am | Report comment
Well said WCR.
Crashy said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:20am | Report comment
Rebels get up!!! This is a great result for Australian Rugby. There is no doubt our depth will be tested but as the size of the existing Super 14 squads in Aus are being reduced. ( NZ have 28 players per squad – we apparently have a few more), this will present opportunity to players that aren’t first choice.
There are as many rugby players in VIC as league players even without a professional team so I would imagine that we will see a massive increase in player numbers in VIC – as we are seeing in Perth to some degree.
With rugby 7s in the Olympics and a 5th Aussie team in a revamped Super tournament, not only will this put a lot lot more of the folding stuff in the coffers of the ARU, but give rugby fans more rugby!
Now JON, please spend spend spend on grass roots development and set us up for the future.
cam said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:53am | Report comment
Yeah good post Crashy. I really think rugby will start growing again from next year in this country. We have Waratahs and Brumbies with 2 very good squads next year, we have the Rugby world cup in NZ in 2011 and that should get a lot of publicity here. And as you said rugby in the Olympics from 2016.
With this Melbourne team rugby in victoria will grow at an even stronger pace which will help Australian rugby. I am stoked!
Crashy said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:25am | Report comment
I think the main thing we can take from this is…
a.) rugby has forged a spot in one of the world’s most sport’smad cities.
b.) Rugby is hardly a foreign code with the number of clubs present in VIC.
c.) There is an established Schools ( albeit private) competition.
and most importantly Rugby isn’t trying to take on AFL ( unlike our Diet Rugby chums) as this battle will never be won. The sooner the other codes realise it, the more they can focus on promoting their own code.
Sadly for the reds I think Ione may come back home.
This is a good result and will be interesting to see The Rebels turn a profit each year unlike the Storm who is perennially bleeding so much cash that is potentially holding up the growth of their code.
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
So you already have the Rebels operating at a profit!! With such sage vision at your disposal, can you give me the lottery numbers for next week?
No one is waging a war on AFL in Melbourne.
cam said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:55am | Report comment
Good points again Crashy. No point trying to take on AFL, it’s the king here but I know even some of the AFL fans will support a rugby team. Most of hte kiwis, PIs, Brits, Irish, Argies and saffers living in Melbourne will support the rugby team. I think Storm won’t be too happy haha.
Atawhai Drive said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:41am | Report comment
Wonderful news for that hotbed of rugby union, Victoria. Think of all the promising young rugby players in Geelong, Bendigo and Wangaratta who can now aim for the stars.
Crashy said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:49am | Report comment
Here we go Atahai – good constructive comment. The same could be said about this new western sydney AFL team – just another hotbed of Aussie rules….. That baby is going to bleed a whole lot of cash and come close to destroying the swans.
I can see the second row position appeal to more than a few of the Aussie rules players
Aaron said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:51am | Report comment
Now all we need are players…. way to water down the talent pool
jus de couchon said | November 12th 2009 @ 6:54am | Report comment
Victoria ? Rugby ?Youre taking the P . Aus is already overacheiving by finding 15 decent rugga players to tour up here . The Irish are about to give them a reality check this weekend .Surely a P.I team would have been more interesting. I can see a load of 2nd rate , overated League players joining the dregs and rejects of N.S.W and QNSLD to drag down the S.15 to basement level .
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:29am | Report comment
“Surely a P.I team would have been more interesting.”
Perhaps, but not for Melbournians or broadcasters.
anopinion said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:31pm | Report comment
The Brumbies started with all the Qld and NSW dregs. look how well they did.
CraigB said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:00am | Report comment
good to see the trolls out early.
anopinion said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:34pm | Report comment
This troll stuff people go on with. Can you stop? If we did not like it we would not come to this site. It is like kids who have learned a word the older kids are using and want to try it on.
Bay35Pablo said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:47pm | Report comment
Meh, go onto a video gamers site some time. It makes this lot look like gentlemen ….
Redb said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:09am | Report comment
Excellent news.
Pete said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:41am | Report comment
RedB, its great to see an AFL supporter get behind this news! If only my League brethren were as supportive of the Western Sydney AFL team, instead of instulting the game and calling it cr*p etc…
I guess it has more to do with the health of the Codes. AFL is seen as a threat to RL, whilst Union in Victoria will be well supported, but never erode AFLs support. Welcome to Super Rugby!
Redb said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:00pm | Report comment
I’m glad they made the right decision. Rugby will do well in Melbourne, new stadium perfect timing,etc.
Andrew Sutherland said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:11am | Report comment
1997: “Victoria? Rugby League? You’re taking the P.”
Don’t worry jus, Melbourne will make a competition of it., perhaps even dominate it. Even the ‘reject’ Rebels made the final.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:14am | Report comment
guys, please, let’s not go this way yet again…
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:12am | Report comment
Truly great news, now we can get on with it. Name, logo, strip all by Christmas would be great to see. A new TV deal including a FTA component in Australia would be next on the list. Great news, glad to see my cynicism was unfounded
By the way Crashy, pretty sure the Australian squads are also reducing to 28 players from next season..
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:20am | Report comment
Brett,
Seriously, the name, logo, strip, etc are already there – Victoria Rebels (motif of Miners Rebels Flag 1854) playing in Navy Blue, with White as secondary color. Either predominately navy blue jersey, or navy blue & white hoops, it doesn’t matter.
Of course, leave it to the marketeers (which we should never do) & God knows what rubbish they will come up with!
Many years ago, I thought Victoria Diggers would be appropriate, as in goldmining Diggers. Especially since the goldmining Diggers preceded the WW1 Diggers by more than 60 years. But in this age of political correctness, that won’t ever get up, no matter the historical precedence.
The Truth said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:32am | Report comment
I hope the irony of a union side carrying the heritage of miners is not lost when ridiculing the roots of league…
AC said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:11am | Report comment
Of course most of the great Welsh rugby UNION sides of the past weren’t comprised of big strong blokes from the coal mines…
The Truth said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Oh, that’s what I said, huh?
Lindommer said | November 13th 2009 @ 9:51pm | Report comment
TT, I think you’ll find there were miners playing rugby for many, many years before league came on the scene. At times league supporters need to read a bit of history.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:55am | Report comment
completely agree Sheek, I said below to Pip I wouldn’t at all mind if they rehashed the entire ARC ensemble…
steve said | November 12th 2009 @ 5:31pm | Report comment
do you not think its time to introduce a team with a green strip in the super14(even though this colour may have nothing to do with victoria) its all looking very blue, red and black at the moment. Just from a very superficial and aesthetic point of view not much to do with rugby.
But as a South African i say good on Melbourne, Southern Kings would have been a disaster and financially cripple the league with the travel. There is always the super18 to look out for in the next 5-10 years where some decent steps towards development in the eastern cape can be made if SARU and the ANC are serious about it.
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:18am | Report comment
Common sense prevails, but terrific news nevertheless.
The Rebels seems the obvious choice (carrying so many different connotations with it).
As for playing strip – surely something featuring the Eureka flag?
Or would the Establishment view that as being just a little bit too cute?
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:29am | Report comment
Pip, I wouldn’t at all mind if they just rehashed the entire ARC ensemble – Rebels name, same logo, same navy and white hooped strip. I’d presume (hope) they’ll go with ‘Victoria’ in the name, rather than Melbourne?? I know geography doesn’t feature as much in Super Rugby as it should, but the ‘Melbourne’ Rebels playing the Qld Reds would just seem weird…
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:36am | Report comment
Brett
Didn’t I hear that the Brumbies were going with the name “Canberra”?
By the way, I’m not sure how significant this is, but there is already a Canadian Football team called the Victoria Rebels:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Rebels
The navy and white hoops look good – but they do remind me of another team – they’re on the tip of my tongue but I just can’t quite recall their name…
reds fan said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:17am | Report comment
Blue and white hoops… hmmm… isnt that Auckland in the NPC?
The Phantom said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:28am | Report comment
I think Victoria have worn blue & white hoops for several years also. I remember playing them in about 2001 and they were wearing them then. The VRU has been in existance for over 100 years so who knows how long they have been wearing blue & white hoops.
Justin said | November 13th 2009 @ 9:36am | Report comment
We first wore the hoops against Scotland in ‘98. Scotland was obviously all in Navy so hence the change then which everybody liked.
Someoe mentioned more green in S14. Well the Vics used to have an alternate strip which was predominantly green with red blue and white hooping. Not much to look at be we played in it a few times, particularly in u19/21s
Pippinu said | November 13th 2009 @ 9:47am | Report comment
Did I read somewhere this morning that the VRU is not going with the nick name: Rebels??
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:40am | Report comment
Western Province too Reds, but as Sheek says, who cares?? No-one has exclusivity on navy and white hoops..
BigAl said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:48am | Report comment
Yes – but in Victoria it’s also the colours/strip of Geelong !
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
Different sport Big A. I’m pretty sure no-one in Melbourne is going to confuse them. And I’m pretty sure they won’t meet in the home and away. Finals maybe…
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:54am | Report comment
Geelong, of course, that’s who you were thinking of Pip…..
I don’t think it’s a massive problem BigAl, I doubt Geelong and the Rebels are likely to play each other. South Melbourne and St.George managed to cope for years, and the Tahs manage to remain unconfused despite a shedload of NSW state sides playing in sky blue….
Rin said | November 12th 2009 @ 3:52pm | Report comment
What about the pink ensemble of Stade Francais…jokes…great news for Victoria, if it is as successful as the force introduction was in Perth (numbers took off of players there i could hardly get a 4th grade game there where so many teams) then it will be an absolute gold mine…
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:26am | Report comment
Doesn’t matter, they’re in another country.
But then we do live in a silly, politically correct, sue you, no sue you, kind of world.
Robbo said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:25am | Report comment
Pip – As far as I know (and I am a die hard Brumbies fan) they are still going under the “Brumbies Rugby” name next year. However the word “Canberra” will appear under the ACTSNSWRU crest on their jersey.
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Ok – that’s probably what I was getting confused with – I thought I had heard Tim Gable talking about it one Saturday morning.
anopinion said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:43pm | Report comment
The same name will not matter. The Brisbane Lions Soccer Club existed before the AFL team arrived
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:49am | Report comment
Pip, I thought I heard this at one stage too, the ‘ACT’ was going to be reintroduced, AND that Brumbies rugby had also expanded their region again, to be basically the southern third of NSW, from south coast to South Australian border. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to confirm either..
Republican??
the VRU will have to go wth VictoriaN Rebels then
The Phantom said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:18am | Report comment
The Brumbies have claimed that region since 2000, however thare is no Rugby played west of Griffith at present but hopefully the Hay Cutters will return next season.
Great news about the Rebels, maybe rugby can make a resurgance on the Australian sporting scene
Sam D said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:39pm | Report comment
Phantom – Wouldn’t be a Leeton rugby fan would you??
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:30am | Report comment
ACT need to get away from ACT, since they now cover the bottom third of NSW. Suggestions:
1. Capital Country. Double meaning of incorporating ACT, plus being ‘capital’ country, as in ’superb’ country.
2. Bidgee. Short for Murrumbidgee, the most dominant river in the area.
3. Southern Cross. “Beneath the Southern Cross we stand, with a twig of wattle in our hand….. ”
4. Eastern Australia. Although I would prefer to reserve this for Northern NSW (base Newcastle) if it ever comes online.
The Phantom said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:34am | Report comment
It is a bit of a mouthful but I believe that currently the Brumbies represent the ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union. No problems with that from someone who lives inthe region (but supports the real NSW team).
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:48am | Report comment
correct Phantom (not a Leeton Phantom, are you??) ACT & Southern NSW RU became “Brumbies Rugby” in 2005 or 06 I think. The Brumbies site still has the original map which runs from south of Wollongong north-west to include Grenfell and Condobolin (but not Forbes and Parkes, by the looks), and then south-west to include Hillston, Mildura, and a small chunk of the SA border. My comment above to Pip was that I thought I’d heard of a further expansion to include Broken Hill, but I can’t confirm. The Murray River and NSW-Vic border are obviously the southern boundary.
see http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/39466
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:03am | Report comment
So where does Albury/Wodonga fit into the picture? I’m pretty sure that their teams play in the Vic Country competition (although it may only be the wodonga and army sides in that area – need to confirm).
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:19am | Report comment
Vented, they actually play in the Southern Inland RU, with the Riverina sides.
http://alburysteamers.rugbynet.com.au/default.asp?id=3747
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:30am | Report comment
Right. I was thinking of the Border Army side but I think they’re based out of Wodonga and play in vic rugby.
The Phantom said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:32am | Report comment
You are both correct, the Albury Steamers play in the SIRU comp and the Border Army Bulldogs play in Country Victoria, however the SIRU has invited them along with Cobram and Deniliquin into the SIRU zone for next season.
Robbo said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:37am | Report comment
Brett – The ACTRU became the ACT&SNSWRU in 2005. The “ACT Brumbies” became “Brumbies Rugby” in 2005.
I’d really like to see them adopt some sort of geographical identifier. I like Sheeks ideas of “Southern Cross Brumbies”. Perhaps “Monaro Brumbies”, “Country Brumbies” simply “Southern Brumbies” could also work.
Personally I would go with “Southern NSW Brumbies” but I somehow think our Canberran neighbors would react negatively to that.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:58am | Report comment
Yeah, I knew all that Robbo, just got some names and dates mixed up.
Monaro Brumbies would combine two of my great loves nicely…
I’d love some kind of geographical reference too, but in reality, we all refer to them as the Brumbies anyway. ACT never exactly rolled off the tongue. I guess I’m just used to it now…
macavity said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:06pm | Report comment
good timing sheek, Newcastle are about to build a dedicated rugby ground, 5,000 capacity.
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-union/groundwork-foundation-of-building-newcastle-rugby/1673611.aspx
with a bit of work, the “Eastern Australia Wombats” might fill it….
stillmissit said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:38am | Report comment
Guys you never know how much talent you can unearth until you have to. Long term this is a good thing for Australian rugby the first 5 years might be tough. I agree with Crashy that as long as they don’t think they will overturn AFL or something stupid like that.
All the Melbourne guys need is good solid performance on and off the pitch until it becomes a part of Melbourne sports landscape.
Pete said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:45am | Report comment
Fantastic news. Our professional player stocks will rise ~ 20% , theoretically there will now be 5 players competing for each Wallaby spot as oppose to 4.
Will it dilute the overall talent of the Australian Super teams? Possibly (as has been hashed about here ad nausem), but this is a longer term plan. Although the National comp was short it did reveal a few gems in Australian rugby who wouldn’t have normally got a chance. With 5 Super teams we have a ‘pseudo’ national comp.
With an extended Super season, there will be more injuries and the opportunity for fringe players to get a go. For the long term health of Rugby in this country, this a watershed moment! Fantastic
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 7:51am | Report comment
I too have never bought this dilution argument.
I can recall the Brumbies’ first season – having to cobble together a team from whatever players it could find, including “rejects” from qld and NSW that ultimately became stars.
Once the positions are available, people with hunger will want to make them their own – as always happens – gems and bolters will be found – rejects will become stars – the odd young Victorian currently playing Union will now think seriously about it – that’s the way of the world.
fox said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:07am | Report comment
Indeed. The dilution argument is more a gripe of other nations who view our teams as not being up to scratch – and that a fifth team makes it worse. Personally, I think like the proverbial rising tide, it will lift all boats.
katzilla said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:30am | Report comment
‘The dilution argument is more a gripe of other nations who view our teams as not being up to scratch – and that a fifth team makes it worse’
With good reason Fox. The results indicate this. But don’t worry those of us that back the Dilution argument also point the finger at the Saffas who have some rubbish teams also.
But i guess we will see, I for one hope it does pick up for Australian rugby and that your depth gets better.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:21am | Report comment
and Pip, plenty of those ‘original’ Brumbies will tell of our that rejection brought them together as mates. Early on, they all had to take responsibility to organise something for the club. Ewen Mackenzie had to basically beg companies to get their first set of training jumpers…
The original Force players probably didn’t have to beg for training strips, but there’s a sense of ownership in playing for a new team. Ultimately, the Wallabies will become stronger, and that’s the main prize.
Wonder if Scott Fava is contemplating a comeback in 2011, or if Josh Valentine might beat him to be the first to play for all five Australian sides??
Darwin hammer said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:34am | Report comment
There’s a little bit of a difference making 3 teams out of the NSW / Qld talent pool to trying to cobbled together 5 out of the same place … but it will only become glaringly apparent when the cross conference games kick in …
.. and another team playing in blue – surely not
The Phantom said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:37am | Report comment
Do you suppose Victoria should change the State colours to somthing not used by another SANZAR team? The Rebels are representing Victoria and therefore play inthe State colours.
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:10am | Report comment
maybe Pink? Works for Stade Francais, and certainly sells bucketloads of shirts and jerseys. Perhaps they could be sister-teams and utilise the same artwork. Then they could also use the same pool of players and we could see them playing 10 months of the year…. that would solve the player depth crisis and the whinging that union players don’t earn their money!
perhaps Orange? Then they could be called the Vic Flame, or the Vic Heat. Marketers love the names that don’t mean anything don’t they?
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:45am | Report comment
dillution? – ask a QLD fan their thoughts on this post Western Force
captain nemo said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:18pm | Report comment
pip, some of these rejects from NSW and QLD were also looked upon as being over the hill. ie Lloyd Walker. He was still having a run with Randwick and I recall a few times when we (the beasties) played the wicks he looked unfit, but the 2 or 3 tries he would put on us would stop any talk of that. brumbies picked him up and he really stood up. if my memory serves me correct he scored a few more Australian caps from his Brumbies stint.
Lindommer said | November 13th 2009 @ 10:04pm | Report comment
Nah, Lloyd played only for the Tahs, from 1985 to 1993; he never turned out for the Brumbies. His Australian caps were won in 1998 and 89.
MarkR said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:06am | Report comment
Yes Yes Yes…..about flipping time !!! Now, all I need to do is get another jersey to go with my Crusaders one & I can go see some games.
formeropenside said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:07am | Report comment
What a disaster. Another made-up team to dilute rugby talent.
It will be the Force debacle all over again, at least hopefully a team other than Queensland gets raped this time.
prowling panther said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:10am | Report comment
this could be the injection australian rugby desperately needs. It will be very interesting to see how they compete with the storm given 12 years headstart. ive never been to a rugby game but I might check out a nsw/vic game-its a great rivalry you don’t see in the prominent football codes.
Banger said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:13am | Report comment
Hopefully, they don’t allow a team, to have its playing ranks plundered the way QLD was by the Force. Of which they are only now recovering from. With the introduction of the new side, It will be another 4 or 5 seasons before the Australia talent base is large enough to support these teams competitively. In the meantime I hope that more foreign players will be allowed to play to maintain the competiveness of the teams for this initial period at least.
Monty said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:17am | Report comment
This is great news and very unexpected for a Thursday morning. I almost choked on my breakfast when I heard it on the radio.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:23am | Report comment
Monty, I thought the decision wasn’t due for another week or ten days, so in that regard, it’s quite unexpected…
Monty said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:29am | Report comment
Brett, I think it is just refreshing to have a SANZAR related decision made without any (un)expected delays.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:38am | Report comment
..or no decision at all Monty. Absolutely agree..
Rickety Knees said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:25am | Report comment
This is great news and let’s not forget that Victorian Schools have a very respectable representation of 5 players in the 2009 Australian Schools side to tour Ireland and the UK!
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:34am | Report comment
Have to add ‘great news’ to all the other ‘great news’ comments. However, some sobering news.
RU is still a long way behind the other footy codes. AFL is expanding to 20 teams; NRL has 16 teams (one Kiwi); A-League is expanding to 12 teams (one Kiwi), while RU is expanding to only 5 teams.
There are still many more problems facing Australian rugby, which I won’t trawl out at this time, as everyone ought to know what those problems are.
AndyRoo said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:59am | Report comment
Sheek
There is merit though in having super teams. 1 really big team in each city so that the match ups can be marketed as clashes.
Every other code has their numerous club teams, a point of difference is a strength not a weakness.
It means if Rugby gets the product right and grows it’s base a little (FTA comes to mind) then the other codes with their 9 teams in one city would actually be envious.
The sporting landscape will change Sheek, their seems to be a trends towards big event style matches and Rugby’s confrenece system plays into that.
Now it’s just up to the teams to market themselves and the players to entertain.
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
AndyRoo,
As a supporter of provincial teams first in any national comp, I agree entirely with your second sentence.
And your 4th sentence as well. The sporting landscape is changing in ways we perhaps haven’t imagined yet – like one rugby code! (But that’s too much for most people to cope with at present!!!).
Ryan said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:33pm | Report comment
Sheek,
Super Rugby has 15 teams not 5 competing with AFL’s 20 teams, NRL’s 16 teams and A Leagues’ 12 teams. Super Rugby’s advantage is that it is an international brand rather than one suburb playing another.
All this other BS about player depth won’t be a problem when you consider how many potential or current Super Rugby players are lost to League and OS comps. If QLD are concerned about another Force episode they should get their house in order so QLD players want to play for them with a passion. As it stands the Captain and Vice Captain could be playing for the Reds but chose not because of the state of the admin at the Reds.
Republican said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:37am | Report comment
Western Sydney will be integral to Vics nursery, so I dont see them getting there own franchise any time soon. They may however get the Brumby’s since they are a stronger Union demo than the ACT these days and to be brutally honest, Unions grass roots are not at all competitive in the ACT.
After all the froth and bubble over the Melbourne ‘coup’ subsides, Australian Rugby will be faced with the very same concerns only moreso.
Ten years is along time to sustain all these passengers that Australian rugby continues to accrue since they are yet to recover from the advent of the Western ‘ Farce.’
Enjoy the celebrations while they last, but I would not get too carried away because the fact is that the talent pool will now be spread paper thin, so the Melbourne franchise will likely resemble a United Nations team in order to be competitive and I very much doubt that this formula is going to capture the tribal hearts and souls of any potential support base down south myself.
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:45am | Report comment
Geez Republican – you know how to put a dampener on things!
What about these Victorians in the national schoolboys side you keep telling us about?!
All those boys with hyphenated names paying rugby in the private shools will now have something to aim for!! (if they don’t mind putting back their medical and legal studies)
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:59am | Report comment
Republican, I thought you wanted to send the Brumbies to Adelaide if Melbourne got in??
MickeyB said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:41am | Report comment
Great result for all – Vic/ Australian rugby and common sense.
Although back to the drawing board to select a better name! What’s worse than picking a bikie gang name for a team is the clubs tag line: ‘A rebel with a cause’?
Talk about cheapening the brand with what has become an old American cliche.
C’mon Vic Rugby, take the risk and pick a name that people can relate!
Think of the other codes:
1. Bushrangers – cricket
2. Victory – football
3. Storm – league
They all rate!
The Vic State flower is the Pink Heath, unlike the Waratah, this isn’t going to cut it!
Some ideas:
1. (Victorian) Ranges (as in Dandenong, etc)
2. Thunder (as in their sh*t weather)
3. Wombats
4. Wallaroos
5. Outlaws (bushrangers is taken)
Any suggestions?
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:49am | Report comment
Yes – Rebels. What the hell is wrong with Rebels?
Why re-invent the wheel when there’s already a good model available???
MickeyB said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:52am | Report comment
Team motto: ‘A rebel with a cause’ …. enough said.
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:56am | Report comment
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:57am | Report comment
I’m trying to create a catch song out of “He’s not a Rebel” – but nothing has come to me yet.
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:19am | Report comment
How about Bowie, Rebel Rebel?
“Rebel Rebel, you’ve torn your dress,
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess”
turns into:
“Rebel Rebel, you’ve played your best
Rebel Rebel, get into that dress” (fevola mad monday style)
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:09am | Report comment
Now we’re getting somewhere!!
I think we can make something of “your face is a mess” – plenty of good imagery there that might fit in neatly with a hard fought game of rugby (of course, naturally, it’s the opposition’s face that would be a mess).
AndyS said | November 12th 2009 @ 3:58pm | Report comment
Nice to see an early start on the interstate rivalries
On that basis, I’d've said there was nothing wrong with the original
Sammy22 said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:05am | Report comment
He’s not a Rebel…………… He’s just a very naughty boy!!!!!! (working on the tune though)
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:52am | Report comment
Fairy Penguins??
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:54am | Report comment
Mickey B
I have to agree with Sheek here – Rebels is easily as good a name as those others you mention (and I’m a Victory member!!).
If a few bikies come and attend some games by error – that’s ok!! (might be able to kit them out and stick them on the front row to scare the bejeezus out of the opposition)
Wallaroos? Who the hell would relate to that??!! (dad – what’s a wallaroo? I think it was a Rolf Harris character)
And folks – one way or the other – we must get the Eureka flag on that jersey.
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:55am | Report comment
In fact the name “Eureka” would be a great name for a new rugby club.
Bay35Pablo said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:07am | Report comment
Victorian Establishment …. ?
MickeyB said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:18am | Report comment
How’s this:
1) Melbourne Maulers (as in Ruck and Maul)
2) Melbourne Marauders
Okay, I’m spent….
sheek said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:24am | Report comment
MickeyB,
You really are bored this morning, aren’t you…..
MickeyB said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:57am | Report comment
C’mon Maulers isn’t bad.
I’m multi skilled and feeling creative. What’s your excuse!
Rah Rah Rasputin said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:46am | Report comment
Just as long as they don’t let any marketeers near it! The Western Force still doesn’t sound right to me.
My only other suggestion to simply call it the Victorian Rugby Union Football Club (VRUFC) or maybe just the Victorian Rugby Club, much like the AFL have done with the Gold Coast Footbal team.
Forget the monikers and the mascots. If a nickname develops, whether it is the Rebels or the Vics or even the Pink Heathens, so be it, but put it in the hands of the fans not some focus group.
Rah Rah Rasputin said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:56am | Report comment
Or maybe
- Melbourne Brave Lupus
- Vic Red Sparks
- Southern Sungoliath
What is a Sungoliath anyway?
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:11am | Report comment
I don’t know but it sounds fantastic!
sakeforme said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:56pm | Report comment
It’s a made-up word of “Suntory” and “Goliath” as this team is owned by Suntory. Very Japanese!
Timmypig said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:02am | Report comment
Rah Rah wrote:
“Just as long as they don’t let any marketeers near it! The Western Force still doesn’t sound right to me.
My only other suggestion to simply call it the Victorian Rugby Union Football Club (VRUFC) or maybe just the Victorian Rugby Club, much like the AFL have done with the Gold Coast Footbal team.
Forget the monikers and the mascots. If a nickname develops, whether it is the Rebels or the Vics or even the Pink Heathens, so be it, but put it in the hands of the fans not some focus group.”
Yes yes yes and more yes – you’ve hit the nail on the head Rah Rah! Call it something ultra traditional, but don’t impose a nickname, and use an ultra traditional jersey; dark blue is trad for Victorian teams.
Victoria, playing in dark blue with white hoops, or dark blue with a single white band. Victorian State logo on the left.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Like it or not, a nickname will be ‘imposed’. It is jsu too good a marketing opportunity to pass up. Build your brand, blah blah…
Gary said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:19am | Report comment
Melborne Drizzle to reflect the weather. Colours grey (as in the sky) and brown (the yarra).
Gee it’s going to be great to have a Vic team to beat?
Victorian said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
Doesn’t rain too much down here mate.
25mm this month – 5 days in a row above 30c, another 5 to come.
Rains, and drizzles, far more in Sydney and Brizzie than down here.
We’re rapidly acquiring Adelaide’s weather patterns – at least over the last 10 years or so.
The Other Reds Fan. said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
Why do you have to have a nickname at all? It is so American. You end up with things like Panthers, Knights, Titans, Lions, etc, none of whom exist here, or worse, Storm or Force.
I still hate the “Reds” despite being a fan. I always call my team Queensland. Our colour is maroon, not red.
Just call them Melbourne like we simply call our national cricket team “Australia”.
macavity said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:08pm | Report comment
Panthers and Knights have a creation story – a link to their areas.
the others… .hmm…
Going for a surf said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:55am | Report comment
Congrats to the Victorian Vigilante’s
Well done, Can’t wait for the home & away local derby’s to start the 2012 season.
We might be short of talent, but there will be no shortage of passion with interstate rivalry
& that’s exactly what Australian rugby needs more than anything else at the moment.
Bay35Pablo said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:08am | Report comment
2011
Michael C said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:56am | Report comment
I’m just checking the AFL websites and NewsLtd AFL pages to find the “This means ‘war’” headlines……nothun’ yet!!!
I’m sure there must be….I might see how the DT is covering it…….
At any rate – - – now we’ll see the real balance b/w Storm and RU in MElbourne town. THAT will be interesting.
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
For all the talk of Melbourne being a Rugby town, its time to put up or shut up.
If we believe the stories of latent support by all rights the Rebels should be bigger.
Crowds probably will be, but TV ratings will be very interesting.
M1tch said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
15-20k id say
especially when they play the kiwi sids, big expats numbers will help them
jus de couchon said | November 12th 2009 @ 8:58am | Report comment
I applaud your optimism , missplaced as it may be . Rugby is my sport and wish Victoria the best of luck and hope they prove me wrong , but expanding rugby beyond its trad base into a frought and hostile[A.F.L] environment may be a step too far . Look at Leagues lamentable efforts to expand into other sporting arenas [at great expense] .
Rin said | November 12th 2009 @ 3:57pm | Report comment
Union came to WA, an AFL hotbed and has been a major success financially and supporter wise, even if no silverware yet…but its coming…
MickeyB said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:03am | Report comment
Ha ha. Yes recruitment through bikie ranks may give the team an edge. Creative play off the ball although fitness may be a problem!
Interesting that every other Aussie Super team is State focussed, where as the Vics team is Melbourne branded?
Let’s blame the Tasmanians, they’ve got the devil and (had) the tiger! Poor Vics have got the pink heath and fairy penguins!
Minds (and market researchers) far greater than mine have no doubt selected this name ‘brand’ for a good reason, just hope it works, as the team will need every corporate dollar it can get in the most competitive sporting marketing in the country bar none!
Benny said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:09am | Report comment
Jonathon Thurston off contract in 2011 – i would wager he’d be very much in their sights – big name marquee players are a little think on the ground in australian rugby at the moment so is going to be very difficult for them to find a big name to market.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:44am | Report comment
???
I doubt that Benny. It would mean nothing to Melbournians. If they were to look for anyone outside of rugby then go for an AFL player.
Benny said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:56am | Report comment
TV ratings and winning games probably matter more than trying to get AFL fans in the gates – besides, the pacific islander population of melbourne is probably target #1 for b#ms on seats and they will know Thurston.
As far as possible AFL changeover targets go…hmmm…can’t think of any
Victorian said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:50pm | Report comment
Barry Hall – spits the dummy at the Bulldogs – a Rebel recruit perhaps for 2012?
Actually, he’s off contract that year – but maybe a couple of year’s catching lineouts for the big fella before he goes to boxing – like he always seems to be. (Going to boxing that is – but not actually going).
Redb said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
Big bad Bazza knows how to lead, take a mark, kick a goal. Less bustle in the Barry these days.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:23pm | Report comment
Neither can I but that didn’t stop AFL recruiting Hunt.
Redb said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:26pm | Report comment
you want a ruckmen in the lineouts, not a full forward.
captain nemo said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:27pm | Report comment
This Hunt thing could end up being a disaster for the AFL. What if he is absolutely hopeless at the game, does he still get his million bucks???
M1tch said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
they wont let him fail..they will fly up the best of the best to make him a star at afl, nobody in afl couldnt handle the embarrassment if he walks out or sucks at it
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:43pm | Report comment
It’s already been far from a disaster. They ‘free’ publicity they’ve already got from this deal has more than paid for they outlay.
smithy09 said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:11am | Report comment
Get some of the overseas players back. They left looking for oppurtunity, now they can return take the oppurtunity and run with it. I’m not talking bout the big names either like Latham (though he would be very handy). Bring back the Beau Robinson, Ben Batger, Cameron Treloar, Ben Jacobs, Peter Hewitt, Liam Bibo and Rodney Blakes of the world and give these blokes a chance to rip in. They have all played at the level before. If worst comes to worst they are just going to push the current crop of Wallabies to new heights and maybe a few might surprise and work their way in. Good luck Melb. Good thing for Aussie Rugby.
Roy Kneebone said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:41am | Report comment
Mark gerrard??? I think they would go hard for Quade Cooper as the playmaker and David pocock as no 7 and captain
Pete said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:47am | Report comment
“Go hard for Cooper”, can we just leave the Reds alone for a bit and let them regroup… and thats coming from a Tahs fan!
Vic won’t need the super stars to draw crowds. The Victorians don’t even know them. Do what the Brumbies did and build a winning culture made up of unknowns and cast offs. Create the stars…
Bay35Pablo said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:13am | Report comment
Huge news. Great to hear. There will be teething troubles, but I expect they will be competitive quickly.
The cutting of Aussie Super squads from the end of this year give lie to the indications from the ARU they weren’t going to let the Rebels do what the Force did several years ago. Given they knew we were probably going to have to build a new team for 2011, how did the ARU let the Super teams trim their squads, thus reducing the number of players available? Guys like Beau Robinson, Matt Carraro, etc could have been here for an extra year, and thus available to be signed for 2011, rather than risk them going to Europe and not coming back.
Surely if it was money problems for the Super teams, the ARU could have given them some more cash for that very reason. If it is a shortage of cash at thew ARU, why the hell are we going for a 5th side. Or haven’t we got $15m in the bank to help do this if it is short term lack but will be made up when the new TV deal comes in.
What efforts have the ARU made to avoid the Force poaching fiasco again? None. All talk no action. As Santayana says, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat their mistakes.
Bay35Pablo said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:15am | Report comment
As for the new team. Possible line ups?
Cheika as coach?
Barnes to be stolen off NSW?
Beau Robinson and others to return from Europe?
Any suggested line ups boys?
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
Pablo, if Christian Lealiifano can’t get past Toomua and Giteau, he would be ripe for a return home. Made the Aust Schoolboys from Victoria…
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:22am | Report comment
Is Genia available?
Sammy22 said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:04am | Report comment
settle down Pip
he’s staying at home (has re-signed)
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:10am | Report comment
Yes – but for how long??
Roy Kneebone said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
Gerrard, Cooper and Pocock, good time to be off contract.
David Harvey and Ben Batger in Italy also
Scott Daruda??
MarkR said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
Nuciorefa, did a good job till he wanted to start blooding new players & got shafted by ‘player power’. Didn’t go so well in NZ but has proven form in Oz
captain nemo said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:12pm | Report comment
Nuciorefa didn’t get any flowers when he left the brumbies did he???
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:38pm | Report comment
Nucifora – one and only coach/manager in sporting history to be sacked in the year he actually won a title (also recalling that the Brumbies had been in the final in the previous two years)
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:20am | Report comment
Another point on where you find players.
I can recall having a discussion with someone, sorry, can’t remember who, and he mentioned that Deans was scouring the Sydney comp looking for potential Wallabies, i.e. blokes who hadn’t played Super rugby yet.
Now clearly, it makes sense to me that if Deans is looking outside of Super rugby for potential Wallabies, that clearly there are blokes outside of Super Rugby waiting for an opportunity to play Super rugby – even in Melbourne!
Benny said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:23am | Report comment
I’d be very afraid of a 2nd tier team made of players like that – south african and NZ depth will make a joke of us
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:28am | Report comment
But once again – if someone is good enough to make a Wallabies training squad – surely they are good enough to play Super rugby?
Benny said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:35am | Report comment
Perhaps – although we have hookers that can throw lineouts so making the wallabies squad may not be quite what it used to be.
Darwin hammer said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:22am | Report comment
Simple question – did he find any ?
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:35am | Report comment
Dave Dennis..
Republican said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:28am | Report comment
Pip
There’s half a doz mate, hardly earth shattering and most of them are of PI or Kiwi heritage, ie to say not a hypenated name to be seen!
keeper11 said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:32am | Report comment
Good news for rugby….
and leaves news-limited with a choice to make…
Me thinks…
not too long till we see the ‘For Sale ‘ sign go up for the $6mill black hole that is the NRL’s furthest outpost ….
Benny said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:38am | Report comment
When you win 2 comps in 4 years and have Billy Slater and Greg Inglis yet still can’t attract crowds then you have a big problem…
Jay said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:09am | Report comment
The capacity of the Olympic Stadium only caters for small crowds – Plus the Storm has suffered immensley through a lack of FTA exposure.
But they have done well in terms of getting Victorian kids playing the game as evident by their investment in the toyota cup and sg ball.
I think rugby in Victoria will actually help the storm.. there will be fans common to both codes.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Could happen Jay…
More likely in my opinion is that Union will canabalise leagues support.
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:09pm | Report comment
The Rebels wont win a comp for 10 years. There’s not enough cattle.
If they can maintain support over 15k into years 3/4 and on once the hype has died down and they’re not winnning then they’ll be successful
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:15pm | Report comment
Football fans in Newcastle, Central Coast, Gold Coast, Townsville and Wellington would die for the Storms crowds. They’re doing OK in Melbourne
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:26pm | Report comment
I concur Link. They can afford have an ordinary first year – results-wise, but subsequest years they are going to have to be mid-table and above I would have thought.
Republican said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:41am | Report comment
Brett
No, but I believe heartlands of any code should be honoured as a priority so since the ACT are no longer one of those in Unions case, perhaps West Sydney should be rewarded for actually producing a significant amount of Australia’s grassroots?
Adelaide would probably beat WS to the post in a corporate sense as Melbourne just has shown. It’s all top down growth and NOT sustainable – in Unions case anyway.
Cheers
mitzter said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:52am | Report comment
if the ACT is rugby heartlands i don’t know what is. Sure there isn’t anyone in the schoolboys team or whatever but it’s a lot smaller playing base. Brumbies games are always well attended and feature as part of the canberra psyche
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
I’m with Mitzter here Republican, but you knew that. I appreciate that things aren’t as good as they once were, but the local comp is still going along pretty well, and continues to produce players (Syd clubs are still happy to recruit the best ACT players). There’s been no drop in club numbers in the top division since Norths and the Unis merged several years ago. And the Hume Hwy is a well-worn track when it comes to NSW players wanting a Super rugby start. That’ll continue too.
Things could always be better, for sure, but I don’t know that it’s quite as dire as you sometimes make out..
Robbo said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:51am | Report comment
Republican has hated the Brumbies for years. Methinks he is a fair-weathered friend.
andrewMc said | November 12th 2009 @ 9:48am | Report comment
Just imagine the growth of the sport and popularity with all that great exposure in melbourne on….. pay tv…? hang on a minute…? Will anyone in Melbourne even known there is a new team in melbourne??
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:01am | Report comment
In terms of exposure – the important bit of the jigsaw is the new bubbledome stadium – new stadiums attract people just for starters – so the timing for a new rubgy team in Melbourne could not have been better.
Sammy22 said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:08am | Report comment
great to hear it s sorted. Took me by surprise this morning, good one thoughTime to move ahead. Stick with Rebels, let them continue a history established.
Good luck all…..looking forward to the home and away games EACH year
Cameron of Melbourne said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:09am | Report comment
Bloody fantastic news for Rugby in Victoria and Australia. Bring on the Rebels!
Art Sapphire said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:10am | Report comment
Getting the name right is critical in order attract the right supporters.
I have tried really, really hard to avoid using stereotypes and any resemblance is purely accidental or just coincidence.
Here are some suggestions
Melbourne Millionaires
Melbourne Old School Tie
Melbourne Bourgeoisie
Melbourne Stockbrokers
as long as they don’t become the Melbourne Credit Crunch
Pippinu said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:17am | Report comment
I think you’re onto something with the Bourgeoisie!
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:20am | Report comment
Melbourne Mexicans – now that is original, has a geographical flavour and could turn into a marketers dream (in my opinion).
Art Sapphire said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:28am | Report comment
Only if the team is sponsored by Doritos and Corona Beer
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:34am | Report comment
Acknowledged. A contractual requirement might also be that players are required to grow mo’s (except in november when they shave them for charity).
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Victorian Principles?
Art Sapphire said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:20am | Report comment
I like that – I also like Victorian Discipline – Ouch!
keeper11 said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:13am | Report comment
Benny said
When you win 2 comps in 4 years and have Billy Slater and Greg Inglis yet still can’t attract crowds then you have a big problem…
Well said and stating the obvious..
but we will never be allowed to read that as it doesn’t follow the script of ‘League is booming and going from strength to strength’ with the news-limited and NRL propogandists.. …
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:12pm | Report comment
12-15k crowds is an excellent result for League in Melbourne.
Football fans in Newcastle, Central Coast, Gold Coast, Townsville and Wellington would kill for the Storm’s crowds
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:30pm | Report comment
I agree Link but in the long term it’s unsustainable given the vast amounts of dosh that news tip in. Where is their shortfall? Sponsorship? Ticket prices? Are the numbers overstated or too many freebies given? Seems a bit strange to me.
Benny said | November 12th 2009 @ 3:00pm | Report comment
You have one of best league teams in history playing there…should be sold out every week
MarkR said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:19am | Report comment
#1 is not the players but a Coach, there seems to be a shortage in Oz of top quality coaches due to the lack of results they get. Perhaps Gatland, or even Henry (comes off contract 2011), or Jake White.
As for the name & jersey, no flipping Eureka, sorry Pip but that’s been highjacked by the militiant unions & no way in hell I want to be associated with those tossers. No flowers, but as per previous posts use some Aussie nasties in the name ,red bellied black snakes or Pakenham bover boys spring to mind.
For a theme song how about the homegrown iconic band that is ACDC -
Dirty boots, on your head
Play with us & you’re blood will run red
We’ll Kick your nuts if we miss the ball
The Northen States are gonna fall
OK, it’s rubbish but if someone does ‘True Blue’ I’ll go postal I swear…
I’m so excited, it’s like Xmas, except I’ll have to get my lad a Melbourne jersey as I can’t see him going for a red&black one. Actually that’ll probably be one of the amusing things, Dads rocking up in their old team colours & the kids in the new Melbourne kit.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:32am | Report comment
Plenty of decent Australian coaches should be available…it’s a hell of an opportunity for someone to make a name for themselves.
MarkR said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:36am | Report comment
PHB – who ? none of them have covered themselves in glory that I’m aware of. Although they could give an up & comer a crack. Now if we can just get them sponsored by Grand Ridge instead of CUB we’ll be laughing.
AC said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:00am | Report comment
Here here! Gippsland Gold — Offical beer of the Melbourne Rebels.
I’d be tempted to change teams if that happened!
Bay35Pablo said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
MarkR – um, Cheika?
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/cheika-still-a-distant-dream/story-e6frg7mf-1225796693380
Fisher God forbid)
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/fisher-takes-corks-from-hat-to-tip-locals-over-wallabies/story-e6frg7mf-1225796272832
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:11pm | Report comment
Or Link after his QLD sabbatical Bay…
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
Foley? One of the current Wallaby assistants – Graham and Williams? Need we go on MarkR?
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
Billy Millard, Todd Louden, Pat Howard?? David Nucifora’s name is bound to come up??
Hell, Brian Smith?? (that’s Alan Jones’ favourite, not Wille Mason’s least favourite…)
Cameron of Melbourne said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:27am | Report comment
Mark R, I take it that you haven’t been following rugby news closely as Michael Chieka’s (Leinster’s Heineken cup winning aussie coach) name has been mentioned few times as a possible coach. I know that either VRU or the vic super rugby team were chasing him too. They were also chasing Rocky Elsom as captain.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
VicRugbys15 were.
MickeyB said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:24am | Report comment
Okay, I promise this is my last attempt for a name, and I’ll bugger off:
Team name: Southern Stars
- You could tie in the Eureka flag/ Southern Cross as a symbol
- It’s a play on words
- It’s bloody ’stralian!
Screw me sideways if that isn’t a half bad attempt!
Vented Relief said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:39am | Report comment
Pretty good attempt Mickey. I also might suggest Southern Sons. Then the theme song could be Heart In Danger or perhaps Always & Ever…. real masculine songs for a masculine team. I can’t wait to see Jack Jones dueting with Johnny Farnham just prior to kickoff – what an intense boost that will give the team!
MickeyB said | November 13th 2009 @ 8:08am | Report comment
From this morning SMH: The ARU boss also said he would prefer the new franchise not use the name ”the Rebels”, which was used by the Victorian Rugby Union’s team that competed in the now defunct Australian Rugby Championships.
”I’d prefer something other than the Rebels,” O’Neill said. ”I think we need a fresh start, and I think they ought to put it out to the [public and] run a competition.”
——
Besides a potential sponsorship deal from Rebel Sport, I can’t imagine any other corporate or community benefit in going with the name Rebels.
New team, new start and new name.
Temba said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:37am | Report comment
As a saffa in Melbourne I am extreamly pleased!!
Go the Rebels!!!
Cameron of Melbourne said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:28am | Report comment
Good stuff Temba, I can assure there are plenty of excited saffers living in Melb about this decision
Temba said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:37am | Report comment
Thats what they are called right?
MarkR said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:39am | Report comment
Temba, might have to have a beer b4 a game just so I can put a name to the tag.
Temba said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:43am | Report comment
Right on Mark!
2011 S15 final Bulls vs. Rebels… in Melbourne
Robbo said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
2011 battle for the wooden spoon – Reds v. Rebels (a two legged tie in Brisbane and Melbourne! Awesome!).
reds fan said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:56am | Report comment
Bugger off. Reds are on the way up. Mark my words.
Hendo said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
This is the way I see it:
The Reds will have a sen-say-shonal 2010 finish as high as second last (13th), everyone will want to stay, but with Berrick, Rocky, Adam 2Dads, Vickerman, Gaznier, The Bens and even Money Bill all wanting to be on the Reds playing roster for 2011 – we will unfortunately have to let a couple go.
Then come 2011 I can see us finishing as high as 13th again – but that is one better than in 2010 ’cause of the extra team – yippee!!
..anyway – I can’t see the Reds getting plunderred again – the smaller squads and being a word cup year should attract some quality overseas players back and not dilute the player base too much.
You are welcome to plunder the Faingaa brothers though ….
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 1:52pm | Report comment
Yep, I don’t know who the manager of those boys are but he has done a great job.
The Link said | November 12th 2009 @ 2:16pm | Report comment
What do you mean just 2011? One of those teams will come last from 2011 – 2015
Republican said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:56am | Report comment
Mitzter
The ACT’s ’smaller playing base’ was never a handicap in the past.
There has been a gradual changing of the guard.
The fact is the quality of grassroots in Union has become quite woeful in the ACT. That it continues to rely on two nursery’s, Marst College and St Eddies after a decade of elite Union in the town is a real concern for the code.
I was speaking with an ex Randwick player the other da, who now resides here and who sent his lads to St Eddies on the strength of their Union pedigree. He only reiterated what many ahave been saying and that is that this traditional nursery has moved away from it’s Union culture quite dramatically, preferring to focus on other sporting, academic and creative diciplines, which he believes to be a healthy evolution despite his initial expectation of the college.
His lads are instead choosing Basketball and Aust Footy and this tends to be the trend throughout this institution it would seem.
If these two traditional Union stables are no longer so obsessed with the game then who pray tell are going to produce the GR’s in this region? The fact that there is no ACT representation in this years Aust Schools side is unprecedented and something not to be taken lightly.
Canberra is no longer a Union heartland so you all just better get used to it.
Australian Footy on the other hand??
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 10:58am | Report comment
True colours Republican?
mitzter said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:45pm | Report comment
Oh I know Eddies is no where near where they used to be – gone are the days of ruling the waratah shield. School sport has gone to crap in the ACT, public is completely non-existant and the private schools are not much better so a club is the only option.
But my point was on the following and importance of the brumbies to canberra. Not as large a base as sydney but still pulls in the viewers and features heavy in the news
Temba said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:00am | Report comment
got this mail in the morning Mark
Dear Supporter,
Fantastic news for Melbourne this morning with the announcement that we have secured the 15th Super rugby licence.
This is a sensational outcome for the Victorian rugby community. In our 100th year of organised rugby under the VRU, this is a fitting reward for the work of many people.
Melbourne deserves international rugby and deserves to have its own team. The Government has provided us with the world’s best playing facility in our new stadium opening next year, and I know that Melbourne sports fans will get behind their newest team.
This is a shared victory and the VRU is grateful to all of the supporters, not just the current, but all those who have made rugby in Victoria strong and capable of taking on this new and exciting opportunity.
I hope you’re able to join us for the official celebration at the Weary Dunlop Rugby Luncheon on Thursday 26 November at Crown. I can promise you it will be a fitting climax to our 100th year! Check the website for details.
Go Rebels!
Gary Gray
President & Chairman VRU
Matt said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:01am | Report comment
Just stick to Rebels. It already has a whole heap of positive customer goodwill associated and is free history for a fledgling club in a city full of historic sporting clubs. In a way it would be like starting out with a past to draw on, rather than building without foundations.
Starting straight after a World Cup year (when all the contracts of players and coaches are signed to) is a great opportunity. There will be hundreds of players around the world who will be looking for fresh opportunities after the world cup concludes. How about the foundation year of the new Victorian Rebels club.
Team song seems obvious to me: Billy Idol – Rebel Yell. How perfect is that?!
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:07am | Report comment
Straight before the world cup Matt. As mentioned above the Rebs start in 2011.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:08am | Report comment
Herald Sun reports Rocky Elsom will be the first target (well, der..), and that Rebels will be the name.
Gary Gray’s message on the VRU site ends with “Go the Rebels!” (http://www.vicrugby.com.au/)
So I think they’re gonna run with ‘Rebels’….
Pete said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:50am | Report comment
I think Gray is being political with that! He’s thrown it out there to seed the thought that its the name. If the momentum gains it will be difficult to change it to something else. Quite clever, but that ’simple’ email has quite a few undertones and is sure to ruffle a few ARU feathers.
MickeyB said | November 13th 2009 @ 8:04am | Report comment
Not if the ARU have their way.
From this morning SMH: The ARU boss also said he would prefer the new franchise not use the name ”the Rebels”, which was used by the Victorian Rugby Union’s team that competed in the now defunct Australian Rugby Championships.
”I’d prefer something other than the Rebels,” O’Neill said. ”I think we need a fresh start, and I think they ought to put it out to the [public and] run a competition.”
——
Besides a potential sponsorship deal from Rebel Sport, I can’t imagine any other corporate or community benefit in going with the name Rebels.
New team, new start and new name.
PastHisBest said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:10am | Report comment
I really, really, really hope they schedule the first match in Melbourne against the Waratahs. What a match! What an atmosphere! I’d make the trip.
Pete said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
I’ll be there!
Jay said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:10am | Report comment
Melbourne Wanderers is an ideal name for them.
katzilla said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:12am | Report comment
How about the Victorian Error?
Southern Stars? lol. Will the entire team have to get Southern Cross Tattoos? Might as well call them the Southern Bogans.
Or even betterer Southern Westies! (how does that even work)
As a non australian i have to say the only time ive ever seen the Eureka flag is behind right wing extremists and flying above the mass at the cronulla riots. But i guess its an opportunity to educate outsiders on the true meaning of the flag and the rebellion.
Why the whole infatuation with the Southern Cross anyhow? Its not a uniquely Australian thing.
zzzz said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:16am | Report comment
Go Rebels!!
If they collapse, try “Apostles”.
Team song: NOT Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” eg “not sure if you’re a boy or a girl!”
reds fan said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:25am | Report comment
Its gotta be Billy Idols’ “Rebel Yell” doesn’t it?
zzzz said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:53am | Report comment
Does that mean we have to get totally rat-arsed on bourbon??
By the way, whenever we mathematically miss the playoffs, some nong at rugbyheaven will call us “Rebels without a cause”. Yawn.
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:20am | Report comment
Rebels sounds locked in, but I wonder if the ARU might stick the knife into their South African counterparts and float “Southern Kings” as a name
Republican said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:23am | Report comment
Robbo
I don’t believe the Brumby’s have always held the ACT Union communities best interests at heart. They have been duplicite in their collaboration with the ARU’s perfidious agenda in some respects.
If you are to be truely honest, you must admit that the pedigree of this very significant heartland has not improved one ioata since their inception and this has naught to do with the improvement of the non traditional states ie Vic and WA, that is certainly a lame excuse.
So we have an elite ‘franchise’ woopy doo. We have diddly locals playing in the side and this will not improve. What a fall from grace Robbo, to have gone from supporting a team of local champions to just another generic brand.
The Sydney Swans have more local ACTflavour about them when you play spot the local Brumby these days. Honestly Vic will have more locals in their inaugural squad than the Brumby’s are likely to offer over many decades if they indeed survive at all.
A fitting metaphor to this is that the Brumby has been culled so extremely that they apparently do not exist in the ACT Brindabellas these days. They have been rendered an extinct feral species.
Cheers
Brett McKay said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:32am | Report comment
Republican, I’m just going to accept now that we will always be on opposite sides of this coin, and that arguing details would be pointless. At least from the other week I know that you’re just expressing your opinion. I would however quite enjoy reading your expanded thoughts about this aparant decline in ACT rugby that you see, so if you’re up for the challenge, put it all in an article at some point..
captain nemo said | November 12th 2009 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
republican, what is it about the Brumbies that get on your goat?? They have had a great 10 years plus, star studded team won the final a few times and were in the mix more times than not over the last decade. I am curious as to why you dislike them so much. Has to be more to it than meets the eye!! Was Owen Finegan a better dancer than you at the disco??? You are continiously gloating about your belief in their demise!!
So come on republican, what has really happened. Why do you dislike the brumbies so much???
“They have been rendered an extinct feral species.” bit harsh mate!!! tell us how you really feel.
Cameron of Melbourne said | November 12th 2009 @ 11:46am | Report comment
I just hope they don’t use ‘Victorian Rebels’ rather than ‘Melbourne Rebels’ and don’t use the Rebels logo from ARC which was a disgrace and looked like an Amer