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This is the second time in recent weeks a Queensland Reds game has been bumped to another Foxtel channel. At least this game was only moved from Fox Sports 1 to Fox Sports 3.
A few weeks ago against the Stormers it got bumper to channel Speed 512. No one knew it had happened and a regular rugby fan could be forgiven for not even knowing.
Bill Pulver, the ARU and SANZAR are searching for answers to solve the financial issues of Australian Rugby and build the spectator numbers in the face of massive contender pressure from the NRL, AFL and the A-League.
Their answers include building a third-tier competition and expanding the current Super Rugby competition.
You can’t support a game if you don’t watch it. You can’t watch it if games keep getting bumped to other channels so even the Foxtel subscribers don’t know how to find it.
The Aussies without Foxtel couldn’t even watch it unless they’re at the pub and the fewer than three million Foxtel subscribers have to seek it out and channel-flick.
The third tier? How can a competition without enough support and money increase viewers numbers by making more games you can’t watch? I love the idea of increasing the quality of the feeder players but is this priority at a time like this?
Expanding internationally? I’m already often confused by the five times zones Super Rugby is played in during daylight savings time.
This will potentially give Super Rugby a sixth time zone and should we be further diluting the player talent pool by sending more players to play in Japan? At least all the talented Aussies we neglected in Australia who’ve moved to Japan may have a chance to get noticed again.
Competing against the other codes? Not a chance.
AFL has a channel of their own and does their marketing with apparent precision. The NRL is on Channel Nine often enough to maintain fans.
The A-League has the most popular football in the world with parochial supporters with international ties.
And what does rugby have? The game is limited to only Foxtel viewers and it’s not even being telecast on the right channel. Rugby’s management has priorities that are mad and the sport is broke.
It’s amazing they do as well as they do.
You don’t have to be an expert on the finances of the ARU to see there’s some serious problems with the priorities. You can’t like something you don’t see.
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.