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A single, national competition for rugby union is an idea which could boost the standing of the game if done properly.
The A-League was right in the way it went about establishing teams. Go to all and sundry saying that there will be eight licenses, and make the process open for all, especially non-traditional rugby union areas.
Of course a proper national league needs teams in the major markets of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. But teams can be successful in areas other than those already covered in the current Super Rugby setup.
Central Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Adelaide are all markets with the stadia and sporting public that would back a team if marketed correctly.
It needs to be treated as a proper national competition in the same vein as AFL, NRL and A-League. Not a nationalised version of the Shute Shield, which in many respects was how the old ARC was run.
Play the teams at the best stadia possible and try to get a pay TV deal, because it seems that unless it’s the Wallabies, the free-to-air channels aren’t interested.
I think if professionally run and marketed, a competition like this could very well complement the Super Rugby comp, and not undermine club rugby. It would help build our conveyor belt of talent, which seems lacking at times.
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.