Bill Pulver flexible, Brumbies not so much

There’s an old saying – you catch more flies with honey.

Well, if anyone’s going by this method, it’s ARU CEO Bill Pulver in the way he’s handling the whole ‘David Pocock leaving’ issue currently facing Australian Rugby.

His press statement was as interesting for its content as it was for its contrast with a press statement issued the day before.

More rugby:
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» David Pocock could take a sabbatical from rugby
» Liam Gill to leave the Reds after 2016
» Super Rugby format explained

Here’s what he had to say about Pocock possibly taking a sabbatical to study overseas:

“David Pocock is one of the world’s best players, if not the world’s best player but suffice to say we are very eager to keep him in Australian Rugby.

“We believe he wants to stay in Australian Rugby so those discussions are ongoing.

“That [a sabbatical] is in the mix. I want to make sure I keep the negotiation process with David a private process and we’ll inform the world of the outcome when it’s done.

“Frankly we’re open to any option but it’s got to be a balanced outcome that is right for the player, right for the Super Rugby club and right for Australian Rugby Union.

“We don’t rule anything out, we keep an open mind and we’ll work through these situations on a one to one basis.

“We operate in a sport where markets like France and the UK and japan, through really outstanding broadcast agreements have the capacity to pay players and coaches substantially more than we can.

“So if we combat that by trying to create an environment here which is such a wonderful environment they want to be a part of it.

“We think that’s what Michael Cheika’s doing with the Wallabies.”

As Brett McKay pointed out in his excellent article today, the Brumbies went the opposite way in the press statement, but are clearly intent on keeping Pocock on the books.

Who can blame them for being bullish, after the Stephen Moore incident, about tabling a competitive offer to the number one flanker in the world.

I don’t blame or point the finger at the way they’re going about it, but it is interesting to note the difference in the approach.

“It creates all sorts of problems if Poey takes a break,” Brumbies chief Michael Jones said.

“My preferred solution, and our offer to him, doesn’t allow a break.

“There is still a fair bit of water to go under the bridge.”

Distinctly less pointed than the Stephen Moore release, but still conveying a strong position. Who can blame them?

So is a Brumbies, more hardball approach, what’s required? Or is it a soft touch for star players, who obviously command a lot of time and money?

It was also interesting, just as a side note, to see what Pulver had to say about Liam Gill leaving Australian rugby at the tender age of 23.

“I don’t want any of our high profile players leaving the country. The reality is it will happen,” he said.

“We don’t like to see the young and up and coming guys go.

“I don’t want to see the 23-year-olds go and play in the northern hemisphere. They should be here in Australia helping us develop their game.”

Just a thought Roarers. I’d love to hear yours. What do you make of all this?