After fourteen years of professionalism, rugby lovers outside the professional sphere are feeling their game slip away from them.
Where once they felt a part of the fabric of rugby, they now feel like fringe dwellers. Where once they owned a stake in the game, they are now alienated and dispossessed, watching helplessly as the ARU ignores their pleas for a seat at the table.
And, where once the supporters felt empowered to have an opinion, they now feel that their hopes and dreams for rugby are being swatted away like so many flies at a picnic.
Although the frustration and alienation is in many ways characterized by the Wallabies poor performances, it is in no way limited to them.
All levels of the game outside of the elite struggle for assistance to develop and grow rugby, and they certainly cry out for any sort of true representation. If you’re not involved at national or provincial level (and even the provinces are now starting to find themselves marginalized), you have no voice.
Examples are everywhere.
Avenues for burgeoning players have been systematically dismantled in the last few years, with the Australian Rugby Championship, the Australia A program, and the Australian Rugby Shield all being simply abolished.
The ARC may have cost a lot, but assurances from the ARU that it would be replaced by another model, have evaporated into the ether.
There is no national competition, and no prospect of having one in the near future. Many supporters who accepted, and even argued for, the ARC’s demise now feel that they may have been led up the garden path, given that nothing has arisen to replace it.
The Melbourne Super 15 bid has been marred by controversy and in-fighting, and although it is difficult to unravel the claim and counter-claim, the point really is that the ARU has systematically denied the VRU the opportunity to enjoy the same privileges that the other state unions enjoy – that is, management of the Super Rugby franchise in their state.
The governing body is actively attempting to sideline the state union from administration of the Super Rugby franchise in Victoria, which means that however you slice and dice it, they are cutting the link from the people at the grassroots, to rugby at the elite level.
Super Rugby in Victoria will no longer be owned by the constituents, but by a private consortium handpicked by the ARU, and no amount of token-seats-on-the-board will change that for Victorians.
At national level, development and participation numbers are another vast source of “lies, damn lies and statistics”, but the evidence that counts (ie the experience of parents and their kids) is damning.
Simply put, the vast majority of kids don’t get anything from rugby, whereas they get plenty from other codes, particularly AFL. Even on the north shore of Sydney, which should be the rugby stronghold of all strongholds, the number of kids kicking a red Sherrin around is frightening.
A mate of mine in Orange, NSW (who is incidentally a rugby league fan), recently bemoaned his lack of success at getting his boys interested in league, because the AFL is regularly visiting their school, running programs and giving them equipment.
The boys want my mate to bring them to Sydney to watch the Swans.
As for rugby, it is so far off their radar that they hardly even know it exists.
Club and country rugby no longer has any tangible link with players at the peak of the game. NSW and QLD Country, South Australia and Western Australia no longer play touring teams.
Super Rugby, unlike the NRL, is never able to be taken to the bush because with only 7 home games a year, the gate is all important.
There is no such thing as a country-based Wallaby any more, and there is not a club anywhere outside Sydney, Canberra or Brisbane metro with a current or recent former Wallaby playing on a regular season basis.
The two biggest forays into country NSW by representative players in the last 12 months, were driven not by the ARU, but by RUPA who organized a visit of several ex-Wallabies to Orange last year, and the Silver Foxes (a volunteer group of former Wallabies and others playing rugby for charity).
Where am I going with all this?
The point is that after 14 years of professionalism, the ARU, which was once a custodian and servant of rugby in a federal system where the States ‘own’ the game, has forgotten its role.
Instead of listening to its constituents and fostering the growth of the game, it has adopted an angry father-knows-best approach, fobbing off the true owners of the sport with a patronizing “you wouldn’t understand”, or worse, “you don’t need to know”.
It has become the master it aspires to be, rather than the servant that it was intended and constitutionally positioned to be.
So what is the answer for those outside of the elite?
For many, the time is ripe for rebellion.
If the ARU won’t, or can’t, fix the problems at grassroots levels, then it may just be time for the constituents to form their own body and fix some of the issues themselves – issues such as rugby development and opportunities for players outside the existing Super franchises.
After all, if you have a leaky tap and your landlord won’t do anything about it, you get down to the hardware store and fix it yourself.
What could such an alternative body look like?
Well, hypothetically speaking, let’s call it Rugby Australia. Membership of Rugby Australia would be open to any individual with an interest in rugby, in return for a yearly membership fee. Membership would entitle rugby players and followers to vote on issues facing grassroots rugby, as well as a range of benefits, such as discounts on tickets and rugby-related products and services.
Rugby Australia would be governed by a board of directors at both state and national levels on 2 year terms.
These directors would be financial members, and would be voted for by other financial members every 2 years via a secure website.
Anyone with an interest in rugby could run for a position in on the Rugby Australia board at state or national level, and constituents would decide who was best placed to represent them.
The same secure website would enable constituents to vote on a range of issues raised by Rugby Australia, and would assist directors in making decisions about the way Rugby Australia distributed funds and assistance to clubs and individuals, as well as strategic initiatives such as rugby development programs.
The Rugby Australia charter would be simple – support for rugby at the grassroots, for the benefit of all players and supporters. It would be a development and support body, owned by the constituents and acting as a servant to the rugby community nationally.
Priorities would be to:
• Acknowledge and encourage ownership of the game by players and supporters
• Lobby the ARU and IRB on rugby issues nationally and globally
• Promote rugby as a participation sport at all levels
• Develop rugby skills at school, junior and club level
• Develop rugby coaches and referees at school, junior and club level
• Develop and support amateur representative opportunities for players at school, junior and club level
• Develop and support touring and overseas playing opportunities for players at school, junior and club level
Rugby Australia would not necessarily act in competition with the ARU, but rather simply be an overdue acknowledgement that the ARU and RUPA are now primarily concerned with the professional levels of the game, and that there is a need for another body to fill the void left by the ARU to drive development at the grassroots levels of rugby.
Rugby Australia could mobilize the passion for foundation levels of rugby in Australia by accrediting volunteer development officers; training referees and touch judges; acting as an agent for inbound tours from clubs and non-professional representative teams; raising money to make funding grants to schools and promising players for touring and development; and stage structured tournaments at amateur representative level, inviting professional scouts to view promising players.
The state bodies of Rugby Australia could eventually send their own teams to interstate tournaments, and maybe one day, run their own national tournament.
Funding would come from yearly subscriptions; events and match gates and corporate sponsorship.
Is it possible?
Of course the logistics wouldn’t be easy, but the amount of passion seeking an outlet in Australian rugby lately might just translate into something special, particularly if the numbers could be quantified and specific reports and referendum type votes submitted to the relevant bodies.
Player and supporter power could well form a formidable entity with the sheer weight of numbers on its side.
If nothing else, Rugby Australia would be an uncomfortable reminder to the ARU that what rugby followers in Australia want most, is a loyal servant – not an arrogant master.
Nunny
Guest
I think the issue with the situation is the approach to which Australian Ruby has been accustomed. With the rise of professionalism and a strong set of resultsfollowing this the ARU seemed to see Wallaby success as the drawcard for interest and support. They are trying to squeaze the last ounces of support from the national side, putting all their money on the RWC horse. Certainly if this time nxt yeart we take the Cup home it will be an entirely different stry but essentially the ARU has gambled with Australian rugby and failed. They surrently seekthe short term solution and are paying dearly. The proposal for an ARC style competition is financially a gamble also but its the better gamble if it pays off. Its far more of a long term, mature approach to strengthening rugby. Looking atthe big picture its quite a good point to expect a moderating force outside the ARU rather than letting these guys milk the last from the cow.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Unfortunately, at this stage Andrew and I aren't going any further with the Grassroots Rugby Australia set up. Both Andrew and I believe in the concept, and that with those who have pledged their support we could get it set up and running with some work from us, in doing the necessary work including drumming up support in the form of further memberships (and sponsorship). However, neither of us have the time at the moment to do so, and without further people being able to put in time to do so (which is completely understandable), we can't take it any further at this stage in the currently envisioned way . It is a bit disappointing, but volunteer organisations do survive off the time (and money) people can put into them, and at this stage we simply haven't been able to reach that critical mass despite good early signs. I suspect Andrew and I will keep discussing what might been done via this concept, and revisit it when we can. Thanks for all your time and support.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
http://www.therugbyblog.co.uk/rbs-rugbyforce-does-your-rugby-club-need-renovating#more-3488 RBS RugbyForce: does your Rugby Club need renovating? As part of their sponsorship of the Six Nations, RBS have launched RBS RugbyForce to help grass roots rugby clubs improve their facilities – you may have noticed the banners on The Rugby Blog, and we are fully supportive of the scheme. The RBS RugbyForce scheme encourages communities to give something back to their local rugby club by volunteering to undertake improvements to clubhouses and grounds. The RBS RugbyForce weekend on the 5th and 6th June 2010 will bring together club members, family, friends and supporters in one big weekend of activity to help with the required renovations at their local club. The sponsors will also help to fund renovations by offering a grant to three lucky clubs – one from each of England, Scotland and Wales – who make the most compelling case as part of their registration. By registering on the RugbyForce page, not only will you enter the draw to win up to £5,000 for your club, you’ll also receive tips and planning documents on budgeting, organising resources and raising local awareness for the RBS RugbyForce weekend projects. If you win, you may also be visited by one of the RBS RugbyForce ambassadors in Jason Leonard, Ieuan Evans and Andy Nicol, but there are lots of benefits even if you don’t claim the top prize. The first 100 clubs to register will receive: a) DIY / Supermarket online vouchers b) 50 T-shirts c) Posters and an RBS RugbyForce Plaque Last year, 22 clubs entered, so you’ve got a pretty good chance of being in the first 100. Take a look at what the Big Fun Bus says about the scheme below, and then register your club on the RBS RugbyForce page before the deadline at 5pm on Friday 26th March Here’s a tip for your application: we’ve been told that each entry will be assessed on the following criteria: a) Planned club development and how this will benefit the local community b) The need of the individual rugby club Jason Leonard advocates the ethos behind the scheme: “In so many regions across the UK, we know that rugby clubs are the heartlands of their communities. Having come through the club system myself to go on to play for England, I know first-hand how crucial club rugby is for international development. The big aim of RBS RugbyForce is to provide much-needed resources for club rugby, and get communities backing their local side.” Here are some other images from last year’s RugbyForce weekend: http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/rugbyforce.php ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I know its not the same thing, but in spirit it is very similar and encouraging for rugby in Britain.
Quinnies97
Guest
Thanks Bay, My mistake... Tipper and Dan were both good blokes and very quick. Although I was never a mott ...Tell him Chubb says G'day. Quinnies97
Quinnies97
Guest
Gentlemen, These were not real uni / student clubs but community groups who had merely taken the UWS name to get access to facilities. The Uni purged itself of them in the early noughties. Quinnies97
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Dan asked what your "Mott" name was, to check if he knew you. He explained to me where Tipper came from ... Harsh.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Just checked, Tipper was his brother.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Quinnies, Drop me a note on bay35pablo@gmail.com if you want. Would love to get some input on the type of support subbies clubs need (my personal knowledge is about 10 years old, and I was only ever a player). My mate is Dan Wallis, but not sure if that was his nick name. Think you guys took a team to the Hong Kong Tens that he played in.
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
From what i understand and what i've heard the bankstown merged with what was a campbelltown club, then they ceased to exist as a university club, continuing as a standalone bankstown/macarthur club. the distributed campus model, by which the university is offering now i ,nor do many of the staff contacts ive spoken to, will probably cease to exist at one stage with a split up, we'll see what happens there
jeznez
Guest
what ever happened to the UWS Bankstown team I used to play against? The distributed campus seems to have spawned a few sides over the years - is a penrith one you are aiming for now?
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
not to worry, not that good at the game anyways, just love the game for its flavour hahaha, the developmental rugby people seem to be handling my matter more, with direct cc's to jim
Quinnies97
Guest
Thanks Rugbyfuture, Really sorry to hear you won't be involved with UWS RUFC in 2010. I will be speaking to Jim L at a later date about this matter. Quinnies97
Quinnies97
Guest
Thanks Bay, Happy to be in contact and we're always keen to meet passionate rugby people. Hopefully GRA can make an impact as from what I've read there is a lot of positive feeling about the concept. If it's "Tipper" your talking about he was a bloody good winger. Quinnies97 UWS RUFC
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
i will be happy to join once response is met from those i am cooperating with within the NSWRU, sorry, progression on supporting details has become quite in depth (as i said up to Jim L'estrange CEO of NSWRU) so i probably won't make it this year, but i look forward to getting involved at some stage
Quinnies97
Guest
Rugbyfuture, Well said. Rest assured if you had insulted "me" I would not have responded......be sure to give us a call as training starts in only 28 days on the 2nd of February and yours is most definitely the first shout after training. Qunnies97 UWS RUFC
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Qunnies, I have been corresponding with rugbyfuture about this issue, as to any support Rugby Australia/Grassroots Rugby Australia can provide in setting up new clubs, once the GRA itself gets set up. RF's heart is certainly in the right place, and I don't think some of his comments were necessarily meant as they may have been (and could be) read. Hopefully UWS rugby keeps on growing, and guys like RF can help do that with UWS rugby. If the GRA can provide any help to UWSH, feel free to get in contact with me. I expect we will be conducting a survey seeking that type of feedback from clubs such as yours in the next few months, as part of getting rolling. I'm certainly aware of the proud history UWSH has, as a mate of mine played for you blokes while studying there in the late 1990s. Before he betrayed you all and went to Epping Rams ... :)
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
thanks for your input Quinnies I did not mean to insult you, that was simply the response i recieved from the people i spoke to( members of your club) and look forward to fruitfully co operating with you, will be in contact soon. however, i don't think you should insult the roar nor grassroots rugby australia, they have contributed to a great degree.
Quinnies97
Guest
Hey Rugbyfuture, 125sixpack was being polite but I'll be blunt. You have no right to make out that you have any authority or ability to speak for anyone whatsoever within the University of Western Sydney rugby community. Who are you? Your ill informed comments about the Hawkesbury Campus and UWS RUFC players are opinionated gibberish and (more to the point) if you really want to do something with Rugby within the UWS you can start by talking to the constituted and authorised committee members of the University of Western Sydney Rugby Club. Unlike faceless heroes like yourself & facebook groups and the Roar "we're real" and actually play rugby! The UWS RUFC is the legitimate rugby Club of the "whole" University and it doesn't matter what Jim L'Estrange, Mark Bos, or any number of your anonymous & mythical supporters say. We are a constituted Student association which goes across all Campuses and it has been that way since 1991. The Hawkesbury connection goes back to 1891 and the "Hawkesbury" tag show a respect for 120 years of tradition and heritage & especially to the 14 Wallabies the Club has produced. The fact you call this a "burden" and your other comments just show that you are a just plain ignorant. Since the creation of the UWS in 1991 the UWS RUFC has catered to students from all campuses and in 2009 fielded 4 teams. In 2010 we aim to field 4 teams and a colts. We play out of Richmond because it's one of the best facilities in the west of Sydney and the Uni has spent $120K on the rugby facilities in the last 6 months. You can start by giving us a phonecall via our contact details on the Club website & telling us who you are at least then we'll know your real agenda. I'm also quite happy for you to put your money where your mouth is & work together for the good of UWS Rugby. Better still get get your boots on and bring your mates to training @ UWS Penrith or UWS Richmond in the first week of February. Qunnies97 uwshawkesbury@rugby.net.au UWS RUFC
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
sixpack, there was a debate about this in another article, the HAC rugby club holds 100 years of proud tradition, but nontheless it was argued that it has developed with those traditions over time that restrict its wider appeal and its position as a mainstay of the hawkesbury campus also make it less relevant. furthermore it was argued that the club had a higher emphasis on those living on the hawkesbury campus and the richmond community and that it seemed to exemplify a tertiary Joeys or Kings. The NSWRU developmental officers and CEO, Jim L'Estrange, fully suppor the creation of a new club to help develop rugby within the greater western sydney area, and specifically penrith, without the burden of old traditions situated at Hawkesbury Ag, which can be considered more of a subsidiary than that of a campus. There are also some lecturers and staff of the university involved in its development
rugbyfuture
Roar Guru
thanks for being our link yikes, although i may not speak for everyone, your input has been very generous for me, and hopefully will be for GRA