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Danny Cipriani has exposed the English rugby community’s attitude towards super rugby and the southern hemisphere unions, and it’s not good.
It exposes something lacking in rugby, when reading English commentary on his unorthodox move, which should be an asset. This is the lack of a holistic and supportive approach to all rugby unions worldwide.
We here in Australia, New Zealand and the pacific tend to criticise those in the old countries of their general disdain towards progressive rugby.
They equally dismiss us for being progressive and think we’re changing rugby to suit our “soft” attitude.
This is different in all three other prominent codes in Australia. In League they are fully supportive of the super league and British, New Zealand and the rest in building League worldwide.
In the AFL it is obvious that they are supportive of the game going forward. In Soccer in Australia they are still at initial stages of growth, but wholly support their own and have always followed other leagues.
It doesn’t matter how confined or young these sports may be at a professional level, they all have a nation of their own, a soccer (football) nation, an Aussie Rules (footy) nation, and a League nation. What’s lacking is a Rugby nation.
This is an ideology, that the betterment of the sport worldwide is more important than the progression of the sport in the single country.
You can clearly see this lacking on this website, where you have not only Ruggers battling it out with Leagueys, but also with ruggers based in England, Ireland, France, New Zealand and South Africa.
The headlines on Cipriani were befitting more a complete defection and calls of Judas, than a professional and personal move.
It’s something which needs to and should change, to grow and reinforce the game as it lies. So by all means, support your country, state, club or federation, but remember that we are all part of this Rugby Nation.
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.