- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Bill Pulver – aka ARU Santa Claus – has delivered a full Christmas stocking to the ARU faithful.
Junior rugby
At a grass roots level, the Junior Rugby Gold Cup is being implemented.
This is a national junior competition with teams participating at both U15 and U17 level, to be conducted from mid-February until the end of March 2014, drawing teams from:
Queensland: Brisbane (four), Gold Coast, Darling Downs, Sunshine Coast, CentralQueensland, Townsville, Cairns.
NSW: Sydney (four), Western NSW, Illawarra, Central Coast, Hunter, Northern Inland, North Coast.
Teams are also being drawn from ACT, WA, SA and Victoria.
The NRC
The mooted NRC is an eight to 10 team competition with sides from geographical regions throughout Australia being represented.
Regardless of the final competition format or the issues of sponsorship, the fact it is being pursued is a positive step in building a sustainable flow of rugby talent through to Super Rugby and beyond.
The appointment of Ewen McKenzie
Most were surprised at the timing of the changeover of coaches, which – in hindsight – has proven to be a master stroke.
After initial ‘teething problems’, McKenzie has stamped his authority on the Wallabies, who are playing running rugby and inspiring us all on the way.
‘Link’ is building an admirable team culture, which bodes well for 2014 and the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
He is proving yet again that successful coaching is also about adroit people management.
Securing Israel Folau
This was a brave move – especially railing against the views of many that the money used to invest in rugby league players could be better used elsewhere.
Izzy has been a sensation. His humble, team-oriented approach combined with quite extraordinary skills have proven to be a marketing masterstroke.
Izzy has become the public face of rugby and is obviously very happy playing the game.
The game of rugby and Israel Folau are sitting well together.
Mr Pulver, himself
Bill Pulver has presented as a man with a vision and is delivering on that vision.
He has been a breath of fresh air after the banker (I’ve got it – you try and get it) mentality of his predecessor.
His enthusiasm presents as an excellent go forward/can do example for all to follow.
Australian rugby is in good hands.
Merry Christmas Bill and thanks for the pressies!
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.