To John O’Neill, I’m not sure if you have heard of the Roar. If you had, you would have been intrigued to read some of the postings over the last year or so expressing concerns with the running of the game of rugby.
You would be aware, given your background in soccer (sorry, should that be football?), that some sports and competitions need to evolve, be re-built and change to survive. For some reason unbeknownst to the Roar contributors, rugby seems to wobble along in a state of organised chaos.
The Wallabies are the marquee brand in Australian rugby, and one of the most bankable rugby brands in the world (behind the All Blacks, Springboks and possibly a few others).
I’ve noticed your focus on supporting and strengthening this brand.
What I fail to see, given your business and sporting background, is a strategic plan to underpin the ongoing growth of this brand.
Sure, let’s play in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Detroit, maybe even in Antartica if there is the chance of good gate takings. But other than trying to increase profits, can you tell us how else you plan to strengthen the Wallabies brand?
I might remind you at this juncture that the Wallabies brand is one of rugby, and without a strong game of rugby in this country, the brand is weakened. The current operations of your cronies at the ARU, NSWRU and others are running the game into the ground.
I’m happy to put my hand up to help with some ideas John, as I’m sure are many others on this site.
Maybe we could start with some rationalisation of administrative structures, clarify roles and responsibilities, agree on a system of competitions that support the greater good, and then seek to fund them and make them self-sufficient.
Do we really need multiple layers of administration for a sport with only 170,000 or thereabouts participants?
I’m hoping you have heard of The Roar, and you might read this posting. If so, please reply. The people want to hear from you.
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.
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