Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock says it’s imperative ARU powerbrokers put agendas aside and make a success of the National Rugby Championship.
Several second and third-tier competitions have been staged in various formats since the 1960s, with the last attempt at lift-off coming in the form of the ill-fated Australian Rugby Championship in 2007.
The ARC survived just the one season, but ARU chief executive Bill Pulver insists steps have been put in place to ensure the NRC won’t be a financial disaster when the concept is revived in 2014.
A broadcasting and sponsorship deal with Fox Sports and Foxtel will cover the cost of running the competition, freeing the ARU of any financial burden.
Pulver is confident Australia will have a domestic competition to rival New Zealand’s and South Africa’s and Mortlock hopes for the sake of the code in this country he’s right.
Mortlock believes it’s essential Australia is on an even playing field with its two southern hemisphere rivals – currently the only two countries ranked ahead of the Wallabies – at a development level below the national team.
“Without a doubt we’ve been crying out for this for a long, long time and you’d argue that it’s been too long,” Mortlock told AAP on Wednesday.
“New Zealand have got the ITM Cup, South Africa have got the Currie Cup. We don’t have any equivalent.
“This will give us that tier competition that we’ve been after and it will be a great opportunity to get a bridge between club and provincial rugby, which is what we so desperately need.
“It’s so important for us to have and the political powers that be need to understand how important it is for Australian rugby to grow and to put agendas aside to make this work.”
Although the mechanics of the competition have yet to be finalised, the revamped national competition will run from August until November and feature eight to 10 teams.
All Super Rugby players not involved with the Wallabies will be required to play.
“The how is still to be nutted out and the devil is always in the detail,” Mortlock said.
“But it’s nice that it looks as though it’s going to be funded and it’s going to be on TV as well.
“So there’s a lot of positive foundations, but there’s still a lot of things that need to be agreed to and I’m not privy to those at this stage.
“But first and foremost, I think it’s a fantastic result for Australian rugby in general.”
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Lets hope the former Wallabies and contracted staff give their time and support without holding their hands out like starving lawyers. The cash will eventually flow if it captures the imagination and attendance grows. Till then be a foundation player, a team player and lets get Rugby up where it should be in the national conscience.
Billy Bob
Guest
It's like the game itself. If you don't come to play you don't know what you are missing. It's a great game. It just needs another competition. And this latest idea may be it.
NBilly Bob
Guest
The idea of a comp is good. The spirit of those that add the details to it is another question. I agree with Sheek's theory that unless it creates regional rather than village or suburban tribalism it won't be a 'national' comp, and will probably fail. However, I am not in the naysayers camp. I don't know how it will turn out, so I will assume its going to work until I know otherwise, and I will support it. Let's make it regionally and tribally supported. Let's make it work people.
Magic Sponge
Guest
I am a staunched easts rugby union fan . Played for 10 years no heaps of legends of the game and the clubs are apprehensive so get out of your million dollar palace and listen to the real world
Adam Smith
Guest
While it might not be the ideal comp, we should all support it to the hilt. Exactly.
The Bleat
Guest
Great to see Stirlo getting behind this. You cannot question that blokes passion for the game and the country. I too will be supporting my team in this competition and I really hope it presents an opportunity for those fringe/developing players around the country to take it up a notch.
Westie
Guest
Not really understood
jeznez
Roar Guru
Storm Boy
Guest
What does NRU acronym stand for?
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
I actually think the clubs that do compete in this competition would be wise to give away free full season passes to junior club and schools players. Kids will bring in paying adults and by allowing free entry it would open up cash for merchandising etc.
Nigel Imrie
Guest
A few nay Sayers but I for one cannot wait to see it get underway, as an old player myself the amalgamated north shore/northern beaches team should be a treat to watch and I will be attending all the fixtures!! It is essential that we all get behind the concept so as supporters of our great game we assure it's success, it's in our hands and our hands alone that we make a success of the first season and together drive it into the future, so come on rugby fans unite and build our game!!!!
nmpcart
Guest
I agree WCR, this comp will give those players who have not had much opportunity with the Super franchises and even those who have been overlooked, to display their capabilities. The NPC (now ITM Cup) always throws up interesting players who haven't had a chance at Super Rugby level. I just hope that they promote it well to the kids and families to make it accessible and affordable - my family started going to our local Premier club in Brisbane (Easts) to watch games through our kids being juniors there and really enjoyed it - that's what needs to happen with the new comp, get more people interested in it and connecting and identifying with the players, so developing their profiles etc. I am very positive about it.
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
I avoided reading this article until just now. I just thought it was easy journalism: Find some ex-player, ask him "Do you support the NRU?" and bingo! - story sorted. Plus there has been so much about this already on the forums. But to be fair Mortlock has said slightly more than "yeah" in response to the question. And I think he makes some good points from a player perspective that we should all listen to as fans. If an ex-player - and one of the calibre of Mortlock - is saying he sees this as good for the development of Australian rugby and it's players, I'm not going to gainsay him. Even if only SOME players believe this, isn't that still a good thing? I've tried to refrain from joining the debate on the format of the comp now that it's been announced. It's reminding me a bit like the referendum on a replublic we had many years ago. The majority agree the concept is good but the argument over the details derails everything. Something p.Tah wrote yesterday resonated most with me and ties in with Mortlocks comments. Being that it's here now and while it might not be the ideal comp, we should all support it to the hilt.
maori sidestep
Guest
anything to grow &improve the code is a good thing.Little steps.
Sam
Guest
Have all the Rebels ARC merchandise and went to most of their home games. I'm fired up too!
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
Magic Sponge, Mate, you're clearly not a Rugby fan. And don't say that you're aligned with a club and that's where th loyalities lay as there are many staunch club rugby fans who are more than interested in getting behind the NRC as they are able to see that it's thebest thing for Australian Rugby and will in time strengthen the club game as well.
Westie
Guest
I've dusted off my rams hat. Can't wait.
In Brief
Guest
Might have to change my name to 'no one' cause I'll be watching. John Eales will be watching too.
Magic Sponge
Guest
This continual " bridge from club to provisional level" is a load of tripe. It will be abandoned cause no one will watch it. It is on during the final series and after a tonne of rugby. Should have been played at the beginning of the season. One year wonder.