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While reading Jim L’Estrange’s responses to questions tabled by my fellow Roarers, I noticed something unusual when it came to anything we are provided by those who administer our game.
First of all, it appeared to be quite candid, informative and most notably prompt when compared with previous Q&As. It almost appeared that Mr L’Estrange actually held some interest in the issues raised in the original article.
My opinion of the man has since been elevated.
Secondly, he brought up the NSWRU’s intention to elevate Shield Shute to our third tier of rugby.
While the first point was certainly refreshing, the second really got me thinking: a National Competition has long since been a contentious issue within Australian Rugby, never really attempted until 2007, with the ARU’s one and only shot proving to be financially unsustainable.
Some argue that the Shute Shield already claims the mantle of our third tier, and considering the number of professional players who return after Super Rugby, this could be considered the truth.
This would be all well and good if the Shute Shield in its current situation doesn’t provide the same level of competition below Super Rugby that the ANZC and Currie Cup do for our SANZAR counterparts.
Even though the Shute Shield contributes to our current lack of competition, I believe establishing another Green Field Competition would be a fatal mistake. Simply, it will cost far too much.
So onto my conclusion.
Use the Shute Shield as a means to an end. Instead of running out and trying to re-establish the ARC, the ARU and NSWRU should look to professionalize the Shute Shield.
While having dots on the map looks impressive, economics simply won’t allow it. By taking the Shute Shield from its current format, keeping at least initially the 12 competing districts to professionalism could finally provide Australian Rugby with the appropriate level of competition needed to not only remain competitive now, but into the future.
With the new TV deal to be finalised reasonably soon, a portion of those rights should be used to provide both the best of the rest in Club land, the opportunity to play and train more professionally, and up and coming juniors a pathway to develop further in rugby.
However, this move would need to be accompanied by a few requirements.
Firstly, each club would need to not only form relationships with junior clubs in the areas, but venture out to claim country zone juniors as their own. Creating relationships with juniors will be key.
Secondly, this move will likely force some of the existing Sydney Clubs to re-think their ability to remain sole entities in the Shield. While Clubs of the Sydney Uni and Randwick ilk could very possibly do so, others will need to join to field competitive organisations though and this may be unpopular.
But I would list the Western Sydney teams as protected species, to remain as sole entities with the assistance of the ARU.
Elevating the Shute Shield will inevitably draw the best players from the Brisbane and Perth competitions, most likely depleting their quality.
But that’s partly the point.
Concentrating the best players outside of the Wallaby squad into the one competition will lead to a higher quality of player available for Super Rugby. This could also lead to the organic formation of some sort of East Coast Championship, with the possibility of forcing the Brisbane Clubs to work together to counter the Shield by entering their own teams.
It would also offer the Rebels Academy side a regular competition to participate.
When thinking in terms of cost, there’s no travel nor accommodation costs.
The teams already have grounds and the Shield already has media exposure, regardless how limited it may be.
Plus, given the increase in competition, it could be a more attractive option for digital TV. This approach isn’t new.
Just look at the NRL. Once upon a time it was the NSWRL plundering the QRL of talent.
The opportunity does exist.
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.