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I have to come to the conclusion that I will be long dead and buried before rugby finds its rightful place in my home country.
There should be no illusions about rugby dominating Aussie Rules, league or whatever other sport.
Rugby’s rightful place in Australia is simple. It should be a game that is understood, appreciated and played by sports-loving people. This, in my definition, is almost everybody – except maybe the anaemic PS4 gamers.
However, the exact opposite is true.
Rugby is available only on restricted access TV, where it is the only place to be analysed. It is only available for children who study in minority upper-crust schools. And the only rugby team that Australians are aware of, if any, is the Wallabies.
The major problem is ARU’s policy of maintaining the Wallabies as the engine for Australia’s growth.
To quote Bill Pulver: “Just to be clear, the Wallabies are the most profitable entity in Australian rugby – and long may it stay that way”.
He adds, “In my view, what worked historically for this game, was a successful Wallaby team playing smart creative running rugby that captured the hearts and minds of fans.”
There are three concerns with this principle.
Firstly, a sporting code and its administration should not be at the mercy of the performance of the national team. ARU stands for Australian Rugby Union. Not the “Wallabies Rugby Union”. ARU has tied the Wallabies around its neck as its own noose.
Secondly, ARU should not focus on profit. It should focus on sport. Once the sport is right, the profit will take care of itself. No economy, including sports, can survive on a single entity being the main provider.
Finally, ARU is forced to use all its time, money and goodwill to prop up the Wallabies and elite teams. As a result, the real foundation of ARU is neglected: the grassroots.
This is in clear contradiction with other nations such as England, which clearly states it represents grassroots rugby, alongside elite. Grassroots are a means to feed the national team.
It is now time to get the grassroots going. Not just the clubs, but the real grassroots: all Australians. Perhaps if ARU is focused on the Wallabies and the elite game, it should rename itself to the Wallabies Rugby Administration or Australian International Rugby Union.
Get someone else going on the grassroots, working on parents, the government and the education system through clubs. Earn their respect, trust and cooperation.
This way, perhaps my grandchildren’s generation may get to enjoy the game. Or at least know about it.
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.