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Rugby in Australia is currently failing at all three levels of the game. That is administratively, professionally and in popularity/recruitment. There is hope, however, that the growth of the game globally, with the Olympics and internally with the Rebels, will bring about change.
These factors, along with the possible revival and reinvention of the failed ARC, spell out a new decade and possible rebirth of the game.
It has only been 15 years since Rugby Union went legally professional, and Rugby can only be considered a child in business. Where Rugby League and Aussie Rules have been professional and responsive to the public, outside of the players and direct administration for decades, Rugby Union is only now learning to respond. It had its first years in professionalism, beloved by those who thought it was a cute baby, managed to reach school and do well at the Rugby World Cup, and is now learning about self-identity and the direction it should lead.
But every mistake is a lesson learned, and this is the statement Rugby should precede into the new decade with.
There is not only promise of the Olympic Sevens tournament (which shares opinion with 20/20 cricket in what its merits are and whether it’s a real part of the game) but from the promises of John O’Neill (which should be taken with a grain of salt) a new marketing campaign, a new ARC in the works and from some perspectives and a good Wallabies future.
Enthusiasm for the game amongst its supporters is growing, even if numbers are waning, with many people of the community willing to take it into their own hands to contribute and spread the game back to the public.
This leaves the evolution of the laws, which will change now that the northy’s have woken up to themselves. The only question there will be whether it’s for the better and when it will happen. This is, however, out of the hands of any Rugby enthusiast or administrator in Australia.
A new decade and lease on life is what lies ahead. But one should be wary of what will happen in Rugby with even the coming year shrouded by more optimism than in the past.
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.