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Following up on my article earlier in the week, I wish to approach another alternative to achieving a third tier in Australian rugby union, which is often looked upon unfavourably by many but would prove much simpler to achieve by utilising existing structures.
Using the traditional clubs to form a third tier or even talking about it can be considered taboo but it is an option that really needs to be investigated and discussed.
For some the likely make up of the teams which would be competing is unpalatable. However, in order to get such a concept as a third tier up and running they may be a necessary evil (I don’t begrudge their success, that much should be noted).
It’s fairly basic in its formation. When taking into account most, if not all, of the Super Rugby talent tends to be concentrated in a select number of clubs (in Sydney those clubs are Uni, Manly, Souths and to a lesser extent Eastwood), it could be said the basis for a third tier could feasibly already exist only needing the willingness to form such a competition.
A National Club Championship should total around 12 teams and, depending on the ability of both the Perth and Melbourne comps’ ability to do so, involve composite sides from each in the form of the Axemen and Gold.
If that is indeed the case, then both Sydney and Brisbane would supply four teams each (the top four from that year’s Shute Shield Championship the same for the Brisbane Competition) and Canberra would provide two.
In terms of length, it would all be determined by the use of pools.
The 12 teams would be split into two pools or conferences. Each team would play each other once, with the top two from each pool moving forward to a semi-final (in terms of where they would be played, the team which only had two home games in the pool stage would gain the semi final to even the number up a bit), with the winner advancing to a two leg finals series.
In all it would be a eight week commitment that would likely involve much of the current Super Rugby talent and a fair chunk of the prospective talent as well.
To many it’s far from perfect but it would be more workable in terms of cost and support. It would also be more club-friendly, which would overcome much of the friction experienced during the Australian Rugby Championship.
If more teams wished to compete the number could be brought to 14 or as few as 10. If both the Perth and Melbourne comps elect not to compete, then Sydney could supply five teams (12 team competition), Brisbane four (10 teams) and Canberra three (eight teams).
The point is by using clubs it provides a greater degree of flexibility, which would be needed in its establishment years.
And of course, to qualify you will need to finish in the top four of each city’s respective club competitions.
The quality is there if executed well. Watching the Manly/Sydney Uni game this past Sunday demonstrates that.
It may lead to some clubs needing to cooperate in order to compete, it could kick others into action. Whatever the result, we are all agreed that something has to be done to fill the widening gap between club and Super Rugby.
The difference here is that we would be using established brands instead of greenfield ventures.
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.