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Former Federal Sports Minister Mark Arbib has delivered his findings on rugby union, so bring on the independent board and no more fiefdoms. All good stuff and necessary.
John O’Neill has resigned, creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise Australian rugby.
Arbib’s findings are about processes and infrastructure, but the real challenge is for the new CEO.
So much needs to be done:
• Junior rugby needs major investment on every level.
• There is no viable Super Rugby feeder competition to match it with Currie or ITM Cup.
• Referee ranks are depleted and struggling to cope.
• In 2012 only Queensland made the Super Rugby playoffs and lost in the first round.
• For the first time the under-20 side finished last in 2012 World Championships
• Our Sevens team failed to make the semis at the recent Gold Coast Sevens competition.
• The Wallabies are hot and cold; losing ground in a fiercely contested sports viewing market.
In many ways the ARU is still a haven for jobs-for-the-boys. How else can you explain employing somebody who created player foment at the Brumbies and Auckland Blues?
He is then given charge of the best of our youth and coaches the under-20 for the past four tournaments, and in his last foray delivers the worst results in our under-20 history.
The new CEO – whenever he arrives – will have his job cut for him. The best thing that he can do is have a clear out. All coaching positions need to be changed. Deans and his assistants as well as Nucifora should be thanked for their contributions and moved on.
Australian coaches need to be appointed; those who understand the Australian psyche and can take the under-20, Sevens and Wallabies from these bust and occasional boom times to a higher level of success.
Let’s not get carried away with having a draw with the ABs – it is time to take a cold shower and take and honest look at where Australian rugby is right now. One word describes it: struggling.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel, but will the new CEO see it or is it an out of control train bearing down upon us?
Finally, acknowledgment to the Australian Schools side that recently defeated NZ Schools in Auckland.
These kids stand as beacon to us all; hopefully there will better systems in place to allow them to better realise their potential.
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.