The ARU has welcomed the new broadcasting deal which sees 35 per cent increase in funding and an increase of local derbies in Australia from 6 to 20 per season.
The five Australian Super Rugby franchises all have academies where they are investing in youth. These players are excluded from the club scene and spend most of their time training with only the occasional game.
Much can be learned on the training paddock, but the real lessons only come in the heat of the battle. Only a small percentage of academy players make it to Super Rugby with franchises preferring to buy established talent.
This seems to be a waste of time, resources and emerging talent.
In 2011 there will be 20 local derbies between franchises. Now is the time to create a complementary U/25 competition that could be played on the same day at the same venue but prior to senior match.
An opportunity for the young bucks to shine!
This would create a second tier competition that would feed directly into the Super 15. It would provide more incentive for spectators to attend matches. It would increase rugby’s product for future TV negotiations.
This is blindingly simple and incredibly obvious.
The salaries of the players are already paid for, the venue is already paid for. The only additional cost is travel and accommodation for one night.
“There are none so blind as those that will not see”.
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.
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