The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

What is being done to grow local rugby?

Roar Rookie
9th February, 2011
Advertisement
Roar Rookie
9th February, 2011
11
1711 Reads

A new rugby season is upon us, with an exciting Super Rugby season about to start. So what is being done at a local level to grow interest and participation in the game?

Here in Brisbane, where I live a kilometre from one of the main clubs in Easts, you wouldn’t know that the local club is having sign on days for kids – not unless you go to their website, that is.

Looking at the local free newspaper there are an abundance of write ups on soccer, league and AFL clubs having their junior sign on days, as well as ads for these clubs.

What was there on rugby union?

A generic mention about the Brisbane Junior Rugby Union Association being the point of contact for finding out about sign on days, no mention of any local rugby clubs.

Hardly compelling.

Now I think the clubs could do this a whole lot better. It isn’t hard to get some info published in the local paper. The Queensland Rugby Union could come to the party by having Reds players allocated to the clubs to attract kids down there.

Just imagine if they said “come down and meet Quade Cooper” – then it would get attention, and also be newsworthy.

Advertisement

The QRU could also make sure that their website prominently promotes junior sign on days rather than making it hard to find. Go to and see how easy it is to find anything about the new season for junior clubs.

But there is more to promoting these events than just local papers. What about the local schools; putting something in their newsletters and talking to their sports teachers? Letterbox drops?

There’s lots of kids in this area, put together some information on how safe and fun it is for kids to play rugby, how everyone gets involved and learns new skills. Take a look at what the soccer clubs do – skills, teamwork, balance, fitness, fun, and so on.

And don’t forget that girls can play as well as boys!

All the mention on club websites seems to refer to ‘your son’. What about those of us with energetic daughters who like rugby?

I’ve said it before but if we are going to grow the rugby supporter and playing population, then we need to reach out to the families and let them know that our game is a fun one for kids to get involved with. At the moment, from what I see, this is not happening.

Has anyone seen a good effort by a local rugby club to promote their club? What would you suggest to improve recruiting?

Advertisement
close