Spiro Zavos wrote in Monday’s edition of The Roar that if the players don’t want to continue playing for the Wallabies and prefer to play overseas, let them go.
I agree.
Are we headed in a direction where as a major rugby nation, we are prepared to still select players who have made such a decision, to again be selected for our country upon their return ahead of those players who decide to stay?
I am not against rugby players making money but I am 100 per cent against money becoming their only reason for playing.
We need to be very careful about what guidelines are put in place in relation to Australian selection. If national players want to head overseas to maximise their earning capacity, then there is a strong argument that this should be in the knowledge that their international career is over.
For me, playing for your country is not about money. It is about who and what you represent. It is an honour and a privilege and something that you take with you to your grave.
Its intrinsic value is priceless.
The Australian grassroots invests at lot of time and the Super Rugby franchises and the ARU a lot of money in developing our national rugby players. We need to ensure that we get the maximum value from this investment, and if the players know that they are giving up something very valuable by going overseas, then this may encourage them to think long and hard before doing so.
Now I can hear the argument already – what if we need one or more of them to win? Aren’t we cutting off our nose to spite our face?
This leads me to what I believe may be one of the big problems with Australian rugby.
For some reason we think we must have the star player or victory isn’t possible, even though history shows that a champion team will beat a team of champions.
How do we produce such teams?
Firstly, we need to stop focusing on the individual star and concentrate on the collective.
In an article in the Sydney Morning Herald on October 22, 2014, former All Black and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said there are three major differences that separate New Zealand and Australian rugby.
1. A ‘celebrity’ culture which inflates egos of some Wallabies – often causing wide-spread disruption to the team environment – making it difficult to keep them grounded.
2. Superior New Zealand development pathway.
3. The All Blacks’ leadership group.
Today I am just going to focus on the first issue.
Some years ago when I was coaching a struggling Brisbane Premier Grade Rugby Team, and Robbie was the coach of the extraordinary Crusaders, I rang him up and asked him if my backs coach and I could come to Christchurch for a few days and sit in the stands unannounced and watch the Crusaders training sessions.
Being the gentleman he is, Robbie obliged and shortly thereafter we flew to Christchurch and quietly and unobtrusively watched their sessions all of which were closed to the public.
Robbie took time to show us how the Crusaders operated and was very proud of the humble facilities in which they ran their operations. He also took pride in the fact that his Crusaders players put the collective above the individual – and everyone knew it, and behaved accordingly on and off the field.
On the field his training sessions were well planned and very efficient – no time was wasted.
But above all – what I witnessed was a combination of humility and fierce determination permeating the entire Crusaders outfit.
No one was going to get in their way – but they went about their business quietly and without fanfare or personal aggrandisement. I watched as Dan Carter quietly practiced his goal kicking with a few youngsters racing around to recover and return the balls he kicked. I was very surprised when each and every Canterbury player that left the field and walked in front of the grandstand would look up and say hello, not knowing who we were and, God forbid, that we were from across the ditch. I then watched as senior All Black players swept their own dressing sheds.
When I returned to Australia, a friend of mine asked me what I had learned during my week away in Crusader territory.
The answer was simple – humility.
In the article Deans went on to quote the words of the great Sir Brian Lahore “better people make better All Blacks”.
How true that is – irrespective of country.
I believe we need to change the culture of the Wallabies to focus on the collective.
To do this we need to understand what humility really means and how to apply it in a truly professional environment. If we can teach our players its true value, we will develop better and more leaders within the collective. The more leaders we have the more successful we will be.
So for what it worth, my advice on humility to the players is this:
1. Stop believing your own press
While it’s human nature to want to read about yourself in the newspaper or see yourself on TV when you are young, it is important that players remember that rugby is a team sport and that all team members contribute to success.
2. Realise you don’t know everything
There is nothing worse than the arrogant and ignorant footballer who thinks he knows everything and the coach knows nothing. If you do not agree with the coach, be brave enough to discuss the matter with him in private, but ensure you have cogent reasoning behind your point of view and be prepared to truly listen.
3. Take a poll of yourself from your peers
Self-perception invariably deviates from the perception of those around you. So, in the interests of becoming a better person, subject yourself to a 360 degree anonymous review.
This will help you to receive feedback and to turn criticism into a plan for growth and development.
4. Develop a spirit of service within the entire squad
We need to get away from the idea that players should be on a pedestal. This sends all the wrong messages to our youth no matter how much innate talent they may have. If it is good enough for New Zealand’s Ritchie McCaw and Dan Carter to sweep the dressing sheds after training for a Test match, it sure as hell is good enough for us.
After all, New Zealand’s 75 per cent plus win-rate over the last 100 years is no accident and is an achievement unmatched by any other elite team, in any code in the world – let’s learn from it.
5. Work harder – ‘Champions Do Extra’
Follow this simple quote from Brad Thorn, arguably one of the greatest rugby athletes to have graced the planet.
“Games are won and lost on the training paddock. Whoever has worked the hardest usually wins.”
6. Understand that there is a difference between ‘professionalism’ and ‘commercialism’
Just because you are getting paid does not mean you are professional. It’s as simple as that.
7. You do not own the jersey – you are simply its custodian – increase its value, don’t diminish it
As I have said before, you have an obligation to those who have gone before you and those who will come after you, and to the Australian rugby public and most of all – to those grassroots amateur rugby clubs from which you came.
I also have some advice for the Australian selectors and for the Australian Rugby Union. Follow these steps, and the Wallabies culture will be improved immediately.
1. Focus on players that would die for the privilege of donning the green and gold jersey
If a player has the talent, but is more interested in money or fame than becoming a Wallaby, tell them where to go.
2. Have a strict no dickhead policy- select players on character as well as talent
No matter how much talent a player has – if he is a dickhead, get rid of him.
3. Let players go that are primarily focused on their bank accounts – whoever they are
Do not succumb to the temptation of letting them go, and when they return, selecting them above those players that have stayed and worked their butts off – be loyal to those that stay and you will be repaid ten times over.
5. Educate the players, player managers, the media and the public
What are the Wallabies about? Everyone should know that the Wallabies are about two things – better men and better rugby players.
6. Be ruthless in implementing this culture – for the benefit of the collective and Australian rugby as a whole
It is time to breed a new and tougher kind of warrior – one with a value system with humility at his core, passionately committed 100 per cent to the Wallabies and prepared to fight for success to his last breath.
Digby Geste
Guest
Great article, Chris, and good to see you writing for the Roar. I agree with you 100% on humility. However, I disagree with your suggestion that all players are putting international money ahead of their country. Yes the money is a huge enticement. But with an ever increasing workload, higher injury rate and shorter career prospects, who can blame these guys for taking a pragmatic view of their own careers? I'd like to highlight 3 examples where the contributions and sacrifices to Australian rugby have been selfless, humble and great, yet they all chose to play overseas in the end. George Smith was passionate about both the Brumbies and the Wallabies and an exemplary gentleman of the game. No one can dispute his contribution to Australian rugby. Yet his decision to leave and play for Japan was the travel required from Super Rugby and the Wallabies taking him away from his family. When the Brumbies needed him due to team decimating injuries, he returned on brief contracts to help out a team he so loved. Despite pleas by the team management and coaches for him to stay, he couldn't be persuaded. The decision by our well loved, Honey Badger, Nick Cummins, to take a Japanese contract to help pay for his sick father was indeed selfless and he openly said he was prepared to shatter his own dreams of playing for his country to put his family first. Again, an outstanding contributor to the Wallabies and seemed to have been a positive influence on them during troubled times. And Ben Mowen, as Brumbies and Wallabies captain, was someone who lead by example, abstaining from alcohol and working overtime through a neck injury to captain the Brumbies to the finals twice and captaining the Wallabies succesfully on 5 out of 6 occasions. Some cynics may dispute his real motives, yet I believe choosing family over travel was the ultimate reason for his departure. Again, someone who lead by example only to be vilified by the miscreants in the team during the height of the Wallabies' woes. Here, there was a leadership group who tried to lift the standards, but obviously the culture was not to support the leadership group, but cave in to the stars (for fear they might pack up and leave)! I get that that is why we are trying to stop players leaving and to encourage that humility. However, it unfairly taints the reputations of some good players who are or have left to play overseas. I was talking to a friend in the army the other day who was telling me how much better our SAS are than the American SEALs. I asked why that was and he said it's all to do with humility and self regulation. The demands and pressures the SAS put on themselves and each other within the team is the biggest demand on performance. If someone is being a dickhead, he pointed out, you don't need the commanding officer screaming in your face to pull your socks up, the boys will have already had a quiet word in your ear to pull your head in. It seems the ABs and Crusaders have a similar philosophy. And one that the Wallabies have lacked for some time. But I'm not sure that a blanket ban on overseas contracts is the answer. It's a hard one, but we don't have the depth that South Africa does and we are now fourth in the battle for codes in this country. When Brian Habana and Morne Steyn can pull off their French club jerseys to don their Boks numbers, why shouldn't we be able to allow Nick Cummins or Ben Mowen or Kane Douglas the chance to return from overseas to the Wallabies without fuss should we need them? Perhaps the ARU could set up an agreement with players who leave that should they wish to return to play for the Wallabies, they do so on big pay cuts? That way we can ensure continued depth in the Wallabies stocks, a possible money saving to a cash strapped ARU and an assurance that those boys have chosen the Wallabies for love not money...
Andy
Guest
Nice. Some old school values that have almost been totally swept aside and forgotten.
George
Guest
The current ARU stance is making Wallabies super attractive to cashed up European clubs. There is not enough money in the game locally so if the French come knocking and it means playing less rugby for a lot more money of course they will go. AB's are going nowhere until 2018 at the earliest and with SA players being selected that means more money will be thrown at Wallabies. Let's at least have a sensible conversation around the rule and look at the best fit. Chris's argument is a view that is a throwback to the amateur days and they are gone. Professional athletes, liek it or not, are not interested in humility. The current policy is already NOT keeping wallabies in country and it could always be implemented again 24 months out from a World cup or Lions tour. There needs to be a more considered approach to this as the Wallabies are already missing a LOT of talent and will lose probably half their starting XV after this world cup as well... There are not the players coming through to replace them so lets at least look at how we maximise the Wallabies talent that we do have, who knows by making Overseas players available it might actually slow down the talent drain!
Kon
Guest
Chris, the past 2 Wallaby coaches have had stints in Europe and it would be argued to the benefit of Australian rugby. Or would you argue that both of these appointments should have gone to a Brisbane or Sydney club coach? Why is it ok for one but not the other? Why cant there be a happy medium of successful Australians across the globe representing Australia for the best result? If NZ has answers for culture then maybe other countries have answers for other things? However if players are deterred from gaining knowledge overseas for the betterment of Australian rugby they are limited to the knowledge of the existing coaching and culture. Which you argue is not good enough? The question isnt should we allow Wallabies to play overseas it should be how do we get future Wallabies educated in all the facets Australia falls short on and that may possibly be let them leave for a period or even low and behold have some overseas based players in the squad. Imagine if we had 3 of 6 props playing a season for munster or Leicester prior to this world cup. Would they be better prepared?
Cameron knights
Guest
very well said Roche hit the nail on the head like always. Spoken like a true legend
David Logan
Guest
Brilliantly said, Rochey. So very true. I hope players and selectors take heed. cheers Mario.
Simon Chambers
Guest
It was a privelege to read Chris' comments on the Australian rugby dilemma. I totally agree that Chris had hit it right on the head. He was a great player for the Wallabies who in comparison to other flankrs was small but fearless and totally committed. The ultimate scounger and forager for the ball. A no nonsense type of guy who was definitely no prima donna like many Wallabies are today. James Horwell has these qualities as well.
Murray Nathan
Guest
here here Roachy!
Geoff
Guest
Totally agree with you Chris on so many points. With the point of players believing in their own individual worth the system may have caused so much if this. I think that in the systems or pathways we tend throw so much worth at them becuase competing with other codes etc.... I feel to point that it's given rather than earnt which here in lies other issues team culture wise. I do hope moving forward that people like yourself can create the changes that would help evolve the game here in Australia or at least help it get back in the top 4 in sports played here in Australia. Well written piece to go with the healthy front rows lunch
AJ
Guest
ROCHEY Good to see you on the Roar, hope you don't get burnt out by some of the know-alls. You don't know me, but am a local Norths patron and was student at Downlands in the early 80's when you were playing for the Wallabies, so you are a legend, always. As a coach in the former ARC, I'm sure you'll be interested in seeing some of the fruits of the NRC in super rugby. The Reds Crusaders trial seems to have already thrown up a couple. I'd be interested to read your thoughts during the season.
stillmissit
Guest
Great article Chris. The problem is that Aust. youngsters think you just need to be 'confident' and fit, Any considered criticism is considered negative s**t. They also work like madmen in the gym and young girls on the training paddock - 'lets knock off early tonight coach' - 'I want to see my baby before she goes bed' there are heaps of excuses and it shows up on the playing field as Chris says. The big question we need to ask these young guys is 'do you want to play the game or you here for the money'? I think the truth if you can get it would shock many old roarers.
Brian Bloodworth
Guest
Chris Roche has written one of the best most relevant articles I've read on the problems within Wallabies rugby. He , himself , was one of the best team players we have ever had, and his advice on "humility" should be a pre-requisite reading guide for all players, and definitely ALL selectors. Chris, you were obviously impressed with the Crusaders setup and Robbie Deans organisational and man management abilities, you have probably read his autobiography, Red, Black and Gold. I've read this book and it only confirmed to me what a bunch of "prima donnas" we have had representing the Wallabies, not all, but the majority of so called "senior" players who resented being coached by a "foreigner". Humility would be an impossible lesson to learn for some of our past, last six (6) years, players if it didn't have a "dollar" sign against it. Advice 6 to selectors, be ruthless in applying this policy is great advice, but only if they can get their own collective heads back to ground level and start showing some Humility in their approach to the serious problem confronting the best game we have. The above epistle is from a person who has followed Australian rugby faithfully for nearly fifty five (55) years, and believes that if we have the fortitude to realise that there are systems and processes out there far superior to ours which we can use/copy/modify to our advantage, then pull our heads out of the sand and do so!
Kirko
Guest
Good points all of them, but the 3rd in particular.....thought they would have learnt after wendal and Rogers!!
Kirko
Guest
As an Aussie living abroad for nearly a decade, let me tell you don't ever underestimate the benefits of life experiences gained by being in a different culture. In fact if oz sent all its potential props and locks to the UK for a couple of years each it would, in the long run, help our scrum as well as help develop more rounded inviduals who will Still Call Australia Home. The UK in turn could send their backs over to oz to learn how to play rather than just put up bomb after bomb.....6 nations opener was a boreathon with a couple of pieces of brilliance.
Kirko
Guest
Because they have spent a considerable amount of time in talks about getting him back to the game he grew up playing, and that at 28 and 10 years playing professional sport whilst ALWAYS maintaining dignity on and off the field, Queensland Rugby have found a good egg. He's played with and against some of the worlds best in his league career whilst being considered almost if not as good, yet never became arrogant. Izzy chased $'s, Hunt wanted a new challenge with AFL. Australian rugby could do with a few K Hunt clones. Good guy, super athlete. By the way, great article Chris.....a number of these points have been raised over and over and I bet you, like I do, just hope that those in the set up start to take notice. Simplify the list and it should become the mantra for Australian Rugby and be on the wall of every dressing room of professional rugby team in Australia and the players made to recite it till they know it off by heart.
Bfc
Guest
The key difference is that in going overseas, football/soccer players are seeking the strongest competition (the A-league is improving but not as strong as the European comps in general). Note a recent young gun Socceroo was advised by the National coach to reject a BIG money offer from a Chinese Super League club and aim for a European contract to further develop his football, Timmy Cahill is towards the end of his career so accepting a offer from the same club is logical. But European rugby is not as strong as Super Rugby...it just pays better. Club owners display no will to develop talent, they just try to buy success. Agree with Chris Roche, but will see if the current ARU hierarchy has a similar view...they have not thus far displayed any such ideology.
Onlooker
Guest
I noticed 1 thing last night at the tahs v chiefs after the game. The chiefs players carried all the gear to the team bus, while the tahs team management carried everything out to the tahs van.
Will
Guest
Ate you joking? Cheika seeding out the d!cheats? His first action was to call into the squad KB despite the fact he wasn't even injury cover. Cheika may talk tough but he seems to tolerate D!cheats just fine, as long as they are players he rates. I think he directly goes against what this article is all about. But time will tell. His selections this year when they are his selections exclusively will be very telling.
Demak
Guest
Welcome Chris, humility my favorite human trait and believing the team to be the higher entity is certainly the key. That should be taught in the home and reinforced at the rugby club, having played a long time for a club that never really tasted success it never seemed to stop us enjoying the team bond. Being with a group of mates that lost more than won certainly created a different style of humility and there was certainly a no dickhead policy there all be it 40 years ago now. Anyway great article and thanks, look forward to reading more in the future
Freighter
Guest
im not sure I agree with that... I mean, obviously if Dean's had more wins he would be seen as being more successful. I think it's more than that- I think the public senses the ego, the self interest of players. When it's publicised, people want it stopped- they look to the coach to do it. Obviously Dean's can create a positive environment - as he has done it before... My real question is- why couldn't he do it? Why did it break down in this particular specific area. I guess only those on the inside will know.