The New South Wales Rugby Union and Waratahs have announced that the Super Rugby franchise will play all their regular season matches, quarter-finals and semi-finals at Allianz Stadium
Absent from the announcement is what would happen if they hosted the Super Rugby final, leaving ANZ Stadium open a final from 2016.
ANZ Stadium have said they believe that if the Super Rugby final were to be hosted by the Waratahs, it would be held at the Olympic venue, and that the negotiations for the stadium strategy for the state were well advanced.
The statement from the Waratahs says the agreement “brings significant financial investment which will invigorate rugby across all levels of the game, right across the state. Not only will this investment help grow the grassroots game; it will help ensure that the NSW Waratahs are best placed to achieve the goal of becoming a sustainable and dominant long-term force in Super Rugby.”
There is no detail provided on how significant the investment is, or what form it takes.
NSWRU Chairman Nick Farr-Jones believes the announcement is a good outcome for the Waratahs and rugby in the state.
“The NSWRU board are extremely pleased with the outcome of this agreement and we are confident that it will provide positive outcomes for rugby right across the state – from grassroots right through to the elite,” Farr-Jones said.
“This is a landmark partnership for the NSWRU, Waratahs Rugby, the Sydney Cricket and Sport Ground Trust, and a positive outcome for everyone who follows rugby union in NSW.
“NSW Rugby and the NSW Waratahs have a long history of playing at Moore Park, and Allianz Stadium is a real landmark for rugby in this state.
“The future of this precinct is extremely exciting, and we are looking forward to being part of it for many years to come.”
Waratahs Chairman Roger Davis was also positive about the move.
“We are delighted to reach an outcome that will benefit rugby broadly, and ensure that the NSW Waratahs continue with their high level of success on and off the field,” Davis said.
“We have been through a rigorous process to reach this outcome, and we are confident that it will prove to be extremely positive in growing the game, and providing a high quality experience for our fans and members.”
The Waratahs begin their Super Rugby title defence on February 20.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree - a few games at Pirtek would be a much better method of engaging the West.
Bakkies
Guest
When the Tahs aren't playing it is.
Bakkies
Guest
TWAS, that's assuming that people in the west know there is a game on.
jeznez
Roar Guru
The second half gets a bit blurry if I warm up too much pre-game.
Jameswm
Guest
Just after? You don't warm up beforehand?
Not Bothered
Guest
Have you read the article yet. Me thinks not.
Not Bothered
Guest
I dont think its ambitious to say that if they make the finals they will be played at a particular venue. Oh, you think they said that they would make the finals, thats where you went wrong.
Not Bothered
Guest
Probably best to read the article before commenting.
Squirrel
Guest
Bs . Sfs is a fantastic stadium with great atmosphere.
Ozee316
Guest
I also think SFS aka ALLIANZ stadium is a supe venue. The capacity is much more suitable for round robin games and the seats are closer and even from tv atmosphere seems better.
pjm
Roar Rookie
They're better off putting a couple of the games out at Pirtek Stadium. No one, not even those who live near Homebush, like going there. You have to do half a marathon just to get to your seat, it never even comes close to capacity so loses any atmosphere that it would bring, and is devoid of any nightlife or buzz outside the venue.
pjm
Roar Rookie
The SFS is in line for a fairly large upgrade in seating capacity and facilities. The Tahs committing there full time will see even more reason for this.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Very happy about this - a packed SFS vs an empty Homebush is a vastly superior atmosphere and the venue is better for watching the game. Plus selfishly it is an easier ground for me to get to when I am home. Plus bring on the Paddo pubs for after games!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The SFS facilities are subpar which is a huge issue. The atmosphere and viewing vantage is certainly superior though.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I certainly understand your point. I'm just saying 2 games a year doesn't maximise your reach into that market. I'm confident a full time move would yield better crowds. I'm also confident there would be a lag period for this to build, and obviously that is why such a move would never be feasible without a huge financial enticement .
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
In all fairness to Tahs management its impossible to accommodate every single supporter or potential supporter in a 4.5M spread out city like sydney. Most clubs in most sportz have one stadium so the tahs arent doing anything unusual. Plus the sfs is probably the best sydney stadium, its fairly conveniently located so ditching homebussh was a no brainer.
pjm
Roar Rookie
The people in the West have had it the best for years with the best games being played out there, not that any of them went. If you took an exit poll out of a game being played at Homebush you'd find only about 15% of them are from the west and they're mostly ex Eastern Suburbs or North Shore people who don't get into the class BS. How about this, the Tahs can go play the Cheetahs at Homebush and we'll see how many rock up.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Whilst they don't want to alienate their current supporter base in the East, surely this alienates their current and potential supporters in the West. Does anybody know if there opportunity for larger growth in the West than the East? I don't know the population make up of Sydney but I wonder if there would actually be potentially more supporters in the West? This move ensures they don't engage them though of that's correct.
Panko
Guest
4 July, see you there ;)
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
Now there's a Queensland quadrella I'd feel quite icky about backing - no, no - I just cannot do it!