After a long day, you find your personalised groove in the couch. In one hand you have your nice cool beer, in the other the TV remote.
You’re just in time to find the pre-match analysis has started. The day is ending, but the rugby is just about to start. Perfect.
But what about the poor souls who have had to head out into the cold at 8pm to watch the game in damp seats at the stadium?
Now before I get into the core of this article, I want to say that I am not fully aware of the situation in Australia, but as an outsider looking in, who has been reading and following The Roar to learn about rugby down under, I just have a few queries and ideas why rugby is struggling in Australia.
I’ve done a bit of research and to the best of my knowledge, apart from the Reds game against the Force in round 5 this past season, no game started later than half 6.
These kick-off times are certainly more TV friendly and I understand the television companies must be accommodated, especially given the amount of money they are pumping into the game.
But surely there must be some consideration for the fans that are shelling out big bucks to attend the games.
Up here in the Northern Hemisphere, I know a lot has been made of making attending rugby matches very family friendly. This has been a big factor in growing attendances right across the board.
A half 7 kick-off is not family friendly. It is also hostile towards them and telling them this really should not be their scene.
Like I’ve already stated, I understand there will have to be night games, but maybe each Australian Super 15 side should have one family match day, that has an afternoon kick-off, which helps out young families wishing to attend a match?
Anyway, like I say, I’m just looking in and I’m hoping the Roarers on here can help me out and explain to me why this isn’t being done or can’t be done.
Otherwise, just one other query. Why do the Reds and Waratahs never move their games around the state?
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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