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John O’Neill and Denis Fitzgerald have recently been quoted on the subject of rugby union and rugby league merging, both have suggested that such a merger is required to fight off the twin threats of the AFL and the FFA.
Whilst the sentiment no doubt has merit, the reality of any merger is fanciful.
Rugby is a multi billion dollar global sport with the World Cup only behind the Football World Cup and Olympics as the most watched world event.
After 100 years of history, rugby league is, at best, a regional sport traditionally played around the coal mining regions of England, Australia and New Zealand.
For rugby league to merge, it would demand rule changes of rugby union.
There is little doubt that the IRB would look at any such suggestion with disdain. Rugby league is too proud a sport to revert back to rugby union.
Whilst in Australia, the combination of the best players of league and union would provide Australia with an awesome team, its Sanzar partners – New Zealand and South Africa – are not confronted with the same player market threat.
Their support for any merger that ultimately empowers Australia with no benefit to them will not be forthcoming.
The combination of NSW government taxes and market forces (European Clubs) are the biggest threat that Australian rugby league has.
Some of the better league players have already crossed to rugby, and the recent speculation around the commitment of Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Gasnier have continued to highlight the pressure that rugby league is under.
Rugby league will not merge with rugby union. It will always be a tribal based regional sport. Whether it can continue to compete for the best players is a moot point.
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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.