There’s an old saying – you catch more flies with honey.
Well, if anyone’s going by this method, it’s ARU CEO Bill Pulver in the way he’s handling the whole ‘David Pocock leaving’ issue currently facing Australian Rugby.
His press statement was as interesting for its content as it was for its contrast with a press statement issued the day before.
“David Pocock is one of the world’s best players, if not the world’s best player but suffice to say we are very eager to keep him in Australian Rugby.
“We believe he wants to stay in Australian Rugby so those discussions are ongoing.
“That [a sabbatical] is in the mix. I want to make sure I keep the negotiation process with David a private process and we’ll inform the world of the outcome when it’s done.
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“Frankly we’re open to any option but it’s got to be a balanced outcome that is right for the player, right for the Super Rugby club and right for Australian Rugby Union.
“We don’t rule anything out, we keep an open mind and we’ll work through these situations on a one to one basis.
“We operate in a sport where markets like France and the UK and japan, through really outstanding broadcast agreements have the capacity to pay players and coaches substantially more than we can.
“So if we combat that by trying to create an environment here which is such a wonderful environment they want to be a part of it.
“We think that’s what Michael Cheika’s doing with the Wallabies.”