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Rugby is a beautiful sport. From a Victorian perspective, I get to put away my Rebels jersey (for now), blow the dust off my Wallabies jersey (although it’s new) and immerse myself in national pride. Something Australian Rules doesn’t offer.
Luckily for me, I’m privileged to have Foxtel, who show all Wallabies Tests live (and in high definition). Unfortunately those without Foxtel and more importantly, for those not in New South Wales or Queensland, coverage is virtually non-existent.
Many know the Rebel Army, and my connection with it. You may remember a campaign run by the Army last year, simply called “Rugby On Free To Air”. The aim of the campaign was to have the former free-to-air rugby broadcaster the Seven Network broadcast Wallabies Tests live into Victoria.
The campaign has been relaunched, with much more firepower and support this time, and in the cross-hair is the new broadcaster, the Nine Network.
Much like the Seven Network before it, the Nine Network are refusing to broadcast Wallabies Tests live into any other state bar New South Wales or Queensland. The networks have often cited lack of interest in other states.
As part of the campaign, we began a series of tactics against Nine. This started with individual calls to the Network itself and talkback radio, emails and constant bombardment of their Facebook fan page. According to the administrator of the fan page, this prompted Nine to organise a meeting with the programming department, with the result being, they’re refusing to budge.
To the intelligent rugby supporter or even general sport enthusiast, it seems to be never-ending wheel of ignorance and stupidity by these networks.
The arguments in support have been strong and clear. Why buy the rights if you’re not going to responsibly broadcast them in a timely and fair manner? Have you looked at crowd figures for both previous Test matches and the 2011 Super Rugby season?
The Australian Rugby Union are very reluctant to weigh into the debate, due to much-required revenue from the broadcaster. On the other hand, for a sport which is often rated as the fourth football code in Australia, you’d think they would want the sport exposed to the greatest possible audience?
It’s about this time the ignorant punch out the ‘Get Foxtel’ jibe. Sure Foxtel is necessary for greater rugby content, however the fact remains, all Australians should have the right to watch their national team perform on the international stage, live and free. This argument has no greater emphasis in 2011, considering the World Cup.
It’s also about quantity rather than quality, reaching the maximum potential audience, showcasing to them the game they play in heaven.
Click here to read more about the campaign and how you can join the good fight.
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.