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I have come to an astonishing conclusion. Those who administer rugby do not care about the game. Okay, maybe it’s not that astonishing. But I am now convinced that this is the case.
After the 2003 RWC, rugby was on a high and the game was poised to grow stronger. But that obviously was not in the interest of those at the top of the tree. It’s now 2009 and the game that I love hasn’t been lower in my living memory. Sad is an understatement.
Today I watched an enthralling Shute Shield final. Full of passion and entertainment. The only thing that could have made it better was a Randwick victory… However, although the game displayed all that’s great about our game, it also demonstrated what is holding rugby back.
Everyone emphasizes tribalism. This is necessary. But the Shute Shield is far too narrow. As is the Brisbane Club scene. The game must grow past this. And soon.
For too long rugby has been stuck in the old ways of ‘keep it in Club Rugby’ and ‘the private schools will sustain us’. This must change. And if it requires the ousting of many if not all of the current ARU leadership then so be it.
The resurrection of rugby in this nations needs two main ingredients.
Firstly it needs a proper national competition, and secondly an aggressive development campaign to get more people, particularly young people, into the game. The current leadership that exist at the ARU either don’t see this or just are too ignorant.
Something has got to give. Rugby is too great a game for it to be neglected anymore. Both a national competition and re-focused development will begin to stop the rot. If anyone has any contact with those who run rugby in this country please pass on my sentiment.
From all accounts the next media deal will be larger than the last and our share will be increased. Alongside that, the momentum starter of the IOC’s decision early next month will be invaluable.
If those who sit at the top of the ivory tower are serious about the game, get up off your throne and fix the game. Starting with a renewed push toward a national competition and youth/schools development. If they cannot, then they must go and hand over control to someone that can.
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.