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I really do hope that the rumours about the VRU being excluded from the Melbourne Super 15 franchise are untrue. If they are, then a number of points should be made.
Firstly, the franchise said to be given the green light is Sydney based. When, oh when, will the ARU learn that Rugby exists outside NSW? The VRU has its own history, culture and ethos. Let that prosper as, for example, the WARU has through the Force.
Secondly, why on earth is there to be private funding from a group in Victoria which funds soccer?The conflict of interest seems to go without saying but clearly needs to be said. Soccer and Rugby are competing in the same sporting market. To have the same corporate interests in both has the potential to benefit neither. It can only benefit the entity which invests in both sports.
Thirdly, let’s keep private enterprise out of Rugby altogether. Look at the trouble England has as a consequence of owners of clubs. An owners primary concern is to make money. Rugby clubs exist for the benefit of Rugby solely. Rugby Unions, run with the appropriate balance of purpose, can do both. An owner or joint venture won’t.
Fourthly, it should always be remembered that the person pushing all of this is O’Neill. He tolerates no gainsaying of his aims for the sport. But who was it that left Rugby (pushed or otherwise) and went to Soccer? The very man who professes such love for Rugby. He spent a number of years orchestrating Rugby’s competitor. I trust him to make money for himself, or whoever is paying him, but not to keep the ethos of Rugby alive.
Why should we trust him now when it seems he is set to cut adrift the grassroots of the game in Victoria? The simple answer is, we shouldn’t.
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.