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After 15 rounds of the Shute Shield, arguably the best club rugby competition in Australia, and after the performances of most Australian Super Rugby teams, it’s not far from the best rugby being played in Australia right now (including the Wallabies Test match against Samoa).
Eastwood sit on top of the ladder unbeaten.
15 wins from 15 games, an amazing achievement given the quality on display week in and week out across the Shute shield.
Yet, still no coverage from the Australian rugby media, still no real coverage from the Australian or New South Wales Rugby Unions.
Understandably this is a World Cup year, and a year when an Australian Super Rugby team won the Super Rugby tournament, so the club scene may be a little neglected.
But a perfect 15 from 15 and still no coverage, now that’s a joke! I can’t help but wonder if it was Randwick or Sydney Uni that had gone 15 from 15 if there would be some more coverage.
Not even the glamour sides of Randwick’s past packed with Wallaby greats have ever achieved this. No one has achieved this in Sydney Club Rugby. You don’t have to be an Eastwood Rugby fan to appreciate this performance. 15 out of 15 is an outstanding achievement anyway you look at it.
If the rugby media in Australia can’t be bothered with reporting on club rugby in its current state with an unbeaten team, and the high quality on display across the board, then rugby in Australia is in for a tough time.
It’s a simple equation, respect the grass roots and Australian rugby will prosper. Continue to neglect it, and it will shrink and die. Allowing the club scene to die will have a roll on effect in the years to come with less players taking up the game, which ultimately will affect the top levels of the game in Australia.
So to Eastwood Rugby, congratulations, you get 15 out of 15 for your performance so far. Australian rugby media, you get four out of 15 (one point for each article you have written about club rugby this year).
The exception to the rule is the ABC who continues to do a great job in covering club rugby in Australia. Hats off to the team at the ABC.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.