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For the last few years, ideas for a new domestic rugby competition have been slowly gaining support. But after the $450 million TV rights package was released last week, it appears it’s time to begin planning for the new competition to start next year.
It seems Australia can finally create a national competition to compete with the rest of the rugby world.
John O’Neill, in the last 2 years, has repeatedly quoted that he planned to kickstart the national rugby competition again in 2011, following the cash boost from the TV rights package.
ARU must do the following things:
– Maintain focus on increasing crowds the aim should be an average of 25,000-30,000
– Create more intense rivalries
– Encourage running rugby
– Get to the stage where franchises can compete with Europe and Japan without ARU
– Create ties with Pacific Islands countries
The new national competition should include the following teams:
1. West Sydney, Parramatta stadium (20,000)
2. North Sydney, North Sydney oval (20,000)
3. South Sydney, Redfern oval (10,000)
4. Central Coast/NSW country, Bluetongue (20,000) +
5. North Brisbane, Ballymore (24,000)
6. South Brisbane, new stadium (5000 capacity) could play at QE2
7. Sunshine Coast/Qld country, Stockland park (12,000)
8. Melbourne, AAMI park (31,500)
9. Perth, ME bank (18,000)
10. Canberra, Canberra stadium (25,000)
Each team plays each other once 6 team finals competition.
The competition will not immediately bring huge crowds. ARU shouldn’t budget for crowds any higher than 5,000.
In the future, a further competition could be established between teams from the NPC, Currie Cup and Pacific Rugby Cup (a competition running between 6 teams: 2 each from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga).
This type of competition has been tested in Britain, with the establishment of the British and Irish cup, with significant success.
The competition runs similar to the Heineken Cup, with 4 pools of six teams each playing each other once. IRB would surely be on board with the support this would provide to Pacific Nations.
I believe rugby must establish itself in certain areas to gain control over league. Generally, country Queensland and New South Wales are more supportive of league than union.
The two country teams should be encouraged to play in places like New England and Toowoomba to encourage rugby growth in the areas.
Sunshine Coast should be chosen for the ARC ahead of the Gold Coast for three main reasons.
Firstly, they have no other teams, and no football code has established itself. Secondly, they have received very strong support following their Super bid. And lastly, they have willing investors to help the club survive financially.
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Hopefully before next year, we’ll hear reports from John O’Neill about his promised, revised ARC.
Rugby is finally starting to look ahead, and with Sevens headed for the Olympics, government support should increase and rugby will start to gain a bit of control over league’s expansion.
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.