I first gained an appreciation for rugby in 1991, staying up late in my HSC year for some unknown reason to watch the 1991 World Cup final against England (and managing to fall asleep for the second half).
I had vague memories of David Campese and the Lions tour of 1989, and my high school played CHS rugby, but I had no reason to really become a rugby fan.
My awareness slowly grew over the next few years, to the point I attended State of the Union against ACT at Concord (I think) in 1994, and Western Province in the Super 10 in 1995.
I remember being part of a crowd of about 12,500 for the Western Province game, and thinking “this is a pretty good crowd for a state union game”.
I was hooked. I managed to con three mates into season passes for the 1996 inaugural Super 12 season.
Two of us renewed in 1997. 1998 saw me backpacking and no season pass, then starting work in 1999 (and which saw me finally play rugby for the mighty MacUni Beacons in subbies), and I saw infrequent NSW games over the years until 2002, where a bunch of mates and I watched every game.
Sick of fighting for tickets in decent seats (these were the glory days of near sell-outs – oh how times have changed), and the carrot of guaranteed tickets to the semi if we signed up for season passes the next year, seven of us took season passes in 2003.
The first game and we found our new seats. Bay 35, halfway line, three rows back. We joked we’d hand the seats down to our grandkids they were that good. Well within heckling distance.
Over the years we were yellow carded by the ref, fired up Wendell enough to score a try for the Reds, had Joe Rokococko in stitches, and generally had a good time.
The initial years saw the same faces around us and renewing. One of the best moments was when the family behind us brought along a cup cake with candle in it, because they had heard a couple of boys were having their birthday the game before.
Unfortunately, those faces have disappeared as, year after year, disappointment got the better of them, and their support faded.
My group of mates changed slightly, being as many as eight and as few as six with some blokes not renewing then coming back (one in protest at Wendell being signed, others because they went overseas).
But with this season, three of the six marked our 10th consecutive season in the same seats, cheering on the Tahs.
2013 won’t see us in those same seats. The end of an era.
Maybe not for the Tahs, but certainly for my mates and I (and the poor lot that copped an ear bashing around us for the last 10 years).
We ended 2012 wondering why we were paying top dollar for what, certainly, were among the best seats in the house, but when we could pay $20 each to get in, stand in the north end bar, and probably wander down and sit in our same seats anyway.
We just couldn’t justify the money anymore, especially with crowds down to 1995 Super 10 levels (oh how far we’ve come, hey Tahs?). Part of the reason we had originally signed up being to secure good seats – signing up just wasn’t necessary anymore.
We’ll be there for as many games as we can in 2013, and I’ve signed up for a Supporter Membership to get the merchandise and options of tickets next year, but the Tahs just lost several thousand dollars in my group.
We aren’t the first over the last few years, and we won’t be the only ones not renewing in 2013.
Why? My mates and I are about as rusted on as Tahs supporters can be. We’ve travelled to away games, deck ourselves out in new merchandise regularly, and support our team like crazy.
But even we had to draw the line. Why would we pay more than we have to, to watch insipid rugby which no one else is?
Oh, we’ll cheer on, heckle opponents and support the team, even with a team that seems to have lost all sense of how to play entertaining or running rugby, and be losing its way.
But we won’t subsidise it. They’re not a charity, even if they don’t seem to operate like a business.
So Tahs, here’s the line in the sand. Even the hard core rusted-on supporters are starting to drop off.
Time to engage in some serious navel gazing, and work out what the hell you are doing. Because rugby in the state of NSW needs you lot to sort yourselves out, and quick smart.
No quick fixes. No Link, Sonny Bill Williams, Blake trifecta wacky plans. No more backroom politics.
Make us want to come back. Make us have to re-sign as season members and be kicking the door in.
I want to. Can you make me? Jury’s out. Better not take too long.
In a postscript, when I called the generic Super Rugby memberships phone line, administered by the ARU I suspect, my downgrade from Platinum double pass to single Supporter Membership wasn’t even questioned.
Nobody asked “Why you leaving after 10 years?”
Nobody asked “Any reason for not renewing?”
Nice to feel valued. Perhaps he already knew the answers. But if no-one has suggested he even ask the question, that says a lot.
aklnzboi
Guest
Blah Blah.... seriously guys, from a kiwi perspective we live and breath rugby, will follow my team to the end of time! Support your team, aussie lacks depth. It's like a religion here. Go the Blues next weekend. PS...it's been a long time between drinks for you fellas. GO THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS!!
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
People say we have the worst fans. Others say its a Sydney thing. Sydney fans turn up when winning and disappear when losing. In some ways I think Tahs fans have high expectations, perhaps with some basis, and have been let down more than not. Foley gone was just part of the problem. It won't fix everything. The head office that delivered him to his job, then undercut him, was too busy politicking, that seems to focused on internal stuff than grass roots, that makes constant questionable recruitment decisions, remains. Sitting on the fence? Didn't think I was doing that. I thought I was pretty clear what I thought. Without proper dialogue and detail? Please, go on .... what issues? Only 20% of the real issue? Please, I await with baited breath your inciteful explanation and review of the remaining 80% ... Tahs fans can be positive and vocal when they have something to be about. Look at the Sharks game. One of the better ones in years. But few and far between. It has been great to see the Reds fans fired up, but I'll bet that title helps ...
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
You, sir, are indeed a jiggler. Lots of motion without much real movement or progress. How is this a hissy fit? I have, as previously voiced criticisms of the team. I still support the team. It isn't an over reaction, as is clear from similar complaints and criticisms by others. I haven't chucked in my membership. I have downgraded it seriously, but will still be attending as many games as possible. I always missed 1 or 2 a season just due to other things. Wife's birthday. Weddings. Etc. And I've put up, as should be crystal Mr Sheen with a big flannelette cloth clear, with underperfomance from the Tahs for years before they made the semiis for the first time (in 2002). I'm not leaving anytime soon. But the Tahs need to buck up their act before I resume paying previous $$$. I look forward to the day. I enjoy my rugby, but at the same time at times you just can't draw much enjoyment from bad games. But I continue to turn up living in hope, which a lot of Tahs fans have stopped doing. As they say, everyone's got an opinion. Your;e enetitled to yours, even if it seems flippant and to miss my point.
levelheaded
Guest
I have just had a read across other codes and we must have the biggest whingers in the sporting landscape - sad! Bay35, i don't care if they deliver a public review, because they don't need to, Foley has gone and surely that was the plan!!! Sitting on the fence and reviewing without proper dialogue and detail is poor. You are reviewing potentially only 20% of the whole issue. perhaps fans are the issue in NSW, just maybe if we were more positive and vocal at the games, this may just give the guys the 5% lift. after being in QLD watching some games up there on holiday ealrier this year, the crowd, even when they are losing really back their team, not here in Sydney, way too important!
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Between 1990 and 2010 I missed about 5 Reds games live. Since 2011 I have been living between China and Sydney, but I managed to see all but 3 games in 2011 live and I missed 4 this year. It's not about passion at all its about enjoying rugby even when your team isn't doing well and not being such a fair weathered fan. It's certainly not about throwing a hissy and chucking in your membership because your team didn't make the finals for the first time in forever.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Painful, reading your article. Cannot remember who said it (Sheek?) but anyway "Super Rugby is not a comp borne of tradition" rang true with me. So I let my dollars do my talking, left the Brumbies who, it seemed at the time, had foresaken everything that had served them well when winning the comp twice. I switched to the Rebels and will support them as long as look to be trying to get onto the front foot. I watch and cheer all our sides but if my hard-earned can help a progressive club then thats where it will go. The Super clubs are enterprises which should know how to analyse the numbers, should be chasing any opportunity to improve. The problem is the sense of entitlement, or the proprietal trap of being the only game in town which has hurt both the Reds and the 'Tahs in the past. If you and your mates do the same then collectively more pressure will be brought to bear on the poorer decision makers of these clubs. There really is no other option but to vote with your cash. Australian Rugby will benefit in the long run. We have been slamming the Waratahs managers for years on the Roar and not one thing was done as they were always 'not last' so it was just the bounce of the ball where they ended up on the log. They always had excuses. Emerald City ennui or not it is hurting our sport and someone, something, somehow, somewhere needs to send the message. Just how so-called Rugby people can do this to their fans is incomprehensible, unforgiveable.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
I take the orifice comment back. Nicely baited.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Great article. There is more heart, soul and passion in it than the Tahs have displayed on the pitch in the last 5 years. I didnt have your patience Pablo.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Reply didn't appear. So again ... Allen didn't front up when Foley got reviewed, and he got criticised in the media for it. If you think this is a player issue, you are kidding yourself. Head office has issues, the coaching has issues, and while the players could be criticised for lacking ticker at times it's hard to do so with the other issues going around. They have looked like they lacked any proper structures, or game plans. I blame the coaching, although the constant complaint is head office meddling in coaching. Skills levels fine? You must be one of the few on that front. it seems a pretty common complaint that their skill levels seem to have issues. Basic passing, rucking out, kick off and regather, etc. Go read Bob Dwyer on Green & Gold Rugby. He goes nuts about it regularly, and I suspect Bob knows a bit more about rugby than me .....
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
"biographical sob story". At the risk of trolling, stick it up an orifice of your choice. Where was the sob? I explained how I got into rugby, and why to me it is a big step not to renew my membership. Everyone will have their own story. I have been on this site for enough years now, and put enough constructive comments to fill a web site of my own. In case you aren't aware (and I can't say I have EVER seen an article by you), you can't write War & Peace ane expect it to get published. The article had one slant and aim, and one comment to make. It wasn't intended, and could never hope to be an action plan for the Tahs. That's another article (or 10). Your criticisms have been like slapping someone with wet celery. There are certain people whose comments and opinions on this site I actually pay attention to for the right reasons. Yours is not one of them. PS Apologies for the typo. You got what I meant.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
I'm not looking for your sympathy chip. The article was intended for 2 aims: 1. Stick it up the bozos at Tahs HQ the fans aren't happy. 2. Give fellow fans an article to discuss the issue. And it's my team too. Last I checked that doesn't mean I think everything the team says is God's own words, or that they poo caviar or pee champagne.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
The author sums up why private ownership is a bad idea. One member or season ticket holder declining to renew is an annoyance. If that member or season ticket holder is your private owner, who you are relying on to keep the team afloat, then your team simply isnt afloat. Build. Sustainable. Structures.
Yikes
Guest
Bay - always great to engage with you - especially when you dismiss what I have to say - regardless of what I actually say - as a "little apologist comment". Oh well. Nice to be with nice people. I say what I think, and although I've not been around the Roar much lately, in previous years you will recall I've had no difficulty criticising the Unions where I think it is necessary. I like your action plan in parts. I think it would have been a much better article than the biographical sob story you originally posted. But you're free to write what you want. And I'm free to challenge you to suggest something constructive, which you've done. How good. PS - I think it was McHale's Navy.
chip
Guest
martyr- A person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort or distress in order to obtain sympathy or admiration. sums up you article pal. I hate people pulling down my team.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Reply doesn't seem to be coming up. Hopefully will pop up eventually, or a moderator killed it.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Bennalong, see my comments above about Link, but without the frothing at the mouth. Link to 2009 wasn't perfect, but we've gone into a power dive since. I don't think they should have sacked him in 2009 (although hind sight is always 20/20 - you'll probably go find a comment on the Roar from back then when I said they should, but I don't think so). it was the usual NSWRU short termism. 2008 finalist, and half a season later you get the punt. Beale? At leats he didn't walk out to go the the Rebels on Link!!! The way coaching has been dealt with since makes Link's days the golden age. At the end of the day he was the best coach and got the best results we have had. Even if it would have been nice to play prettier rugby (see my comments above)
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Link is a better coach now for having coached in France, and been sacked. To my mind he has the ability to get more out of his players, and build a team, more than Deans (and certainly more than Hickey or Foley). He did have that ability when he coached the Tahs, and seems to have gotten better at the Reds. See my comments above replying to Borris about what I would be happy with. I'll sit in the driving rain (oh wait, I have, repeatedly) on a bloody pogo stick if the pay off is watching the Tahs play bloody good footy. In fact, I'd cop losing if it was just good to watch. If we'd played more like the Cheetahs this year than the Tahs, I'd actually be happier because I'd feel like we could build on that and be better next year playing the same way. Currently we are heading down a dead end at high speed honking the horn expecting the wall at the end to move. I don't give a toss about the leather patch brigade that whinge when the catering turns up late in the long room (although that goes to show they can't even get the little things rights), or if they can't park the BEntley quickly in the Members car park. They and their ilk are the same twits that are running the show, and think Parra and Penrith shouldn't be in the Shute Shield, and schoolboys rugby doesn't need reform. Look at my background as outlined above. I love this bloody game with a passion because I'm the worst zealot, I'm a convert. I didn't have rugby fed to me as a pup because I went to the right school;. I love the sport for the sport. And all my mates played at public or Catholic schools, not because they were forced to played 15th grade at Kings because every kid has to play rugby. You build a code on fans like us, if you give us something to be fanatical about. Anyway, I'll wipe the spittle from my PC screen here and go reply to someone lower on the page.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
Borris, Yikes is a committed apologist for the NSWRU/ARU because he works for them (but fails to disclose this). If you think I am carrying on like a martyr, you don't know what a martyr is. I am publicly telling the Tahs to pull their socks up because in pure business terms their failure to perform both on and off the field (which are interlinked) is hurting them in pure business terms. Why? Because I can on the Roar, and I know they do sometimes read this site and may actually (I am deluding myself) pay attention. More than likely the good ship SS Tahtanic will keep sailing on into the iceberg (which it has already run into, and the crew is wondering what the loud tearing sound is). I won't apologise for being a passionate Tah supporter. Like I said to the older lady in front of us a few years ago who complained about our loud (but deliberately not profane) barracking "You ain't at the opera, love!". And I wasn't fully happy even when we were making finals because I still didn't feel we were playing to our best. As good old Arnie said in one of the Conan movies "I want to crush my enemies bones beneath my feet and hear the lamentation of their women!". I want NSW to be the bloody All Blacks of the Super Rugby comp. I want to be the Crusaders Mark 2. If you don't want that, you're settling for too little.
Glenn Condell
Guest
Balls. There are thousands of comments on hundreds of threads full of angst about the Tahs and almost none of it is about results, it is about lack of passion, commitment, fitness, teamwork, smarts, etc. Results will improve if those other things do. Even when the tahs were regular finalists we carried on about their boring 10 man rugby and conservative instincts and lack of talent at 10. To compare them every year to the Rolls Royces coming out of Christchurch and Canberra (largely with Tah discards) was a torment, but jeez at least in those days they appeared to have their heart in it a bit more. When was the last time they looked like they were playing as if their lives depended on it, or with a cohesive, well-executed style? We dpn't see fast and furious, nor do we see cold and calculated. We see lead-footed and unco-ordinated most of the time. A year of this, OK Two, maybe. But year after year? Tot up all the tries scored by the Crusaders or the Brumbies in the last dozen years which could reasonable be termed 'beautiful'. Do the same for the Tahs. Nuff said. But its not just invidious comparisons with other teams, it's with the Tahs legacy itself. This team has a proud attacking tradition which is not being upheld and in a city full of NRL and Swannies that is asking for trouble. Those all important non-diehard fans that peel off will drift into something else. The player or players who can finally rouse this sleeping giant and win a comp with style will be legends for a hundred years.
bennalong
Guest
Hope your right Level but as a Tahs supporter and a Wallaby first member I always feel they get ya early for the money but thereafter they don't give a damn I'll continue to support the players but like Pablo I don't feel like paying way up front until they tell me who's the coach and how they're going to fix a terrible culture.