I have a lot of time for Digby Ioane – he is a fantastic athlete and a pretty damn good rugby player. At 27 he still has plenty of rugby left in him and the potential to take things a step further and become a great Australian player.
That said, Ioane needs to stop playing with contract negotiations.
For those of you unaware, Ioane claims the Queensland Rugby Union owes him third party money and, as a result of this non-payment, Ioane will not be playing at the Reds next year.
No one can definitively say that the Queensland Rugby Union or Ioane is in the right. Suffice to say, QRU CEO Jim Carmichael made it undeniably clear where the organisation stands:
“I have written to him three times legally, Digby Ioane is not owed money by Queensland Rugby,” Carmichael said.
“I don’t know how many times I have to say that. I don’t care what he says, I don’t care what his manager says. If he disputes that, then you have got [the courts]. Take it and challenge it.”
It seems pretty clear Carmichael is highly confident of the QRU’s position, and doesn’t understand Ioane’s argument. The QRU’s contract means that Ioane can’t play in Australia, other than for the Reds.
So where does that leave us? Ioane could be trying to achieve one of the following:
– Some form of pay increase from the Reds/ARU.
– Justification to leave the Reds for more money overseas.
What Digby needs to do is come clean to his fan-base and show what his intentions actually are.
If he wants to leave Australian rugby for big money in France (so he can support his extended family and secure his long term financial future – admirable qualities), then say it!
So what is Ioane’s objective? He claims this is a business decision. If he wants more money, all he needs to do is tell us.
Ioane is fantastic but in my opinion he is replaceable. He regularly gives the ball away in contact and doesn’t have a remarkable skill set. His kicking is average at best and his passing is close to non-existent.
He is far from a complete rugby player.
Digby needs to negotiate in good faith. Then everyone can understand and respect his decisions.
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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