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This article by Nickoldschool is a promoted comment from Brett McKay’s article on Australian flanker depth. You can read that article, and the discussion thereof, here.
What surprises me the most about modern rugby is that we have switched from a Wallabies-centric culture to an even more worrying ‘Rugby World Cup centric’ one.
It seems that between Rugby World Cups, players reckon they have a two to three-year gap where they can do whatever they feel like; play overseas, rest, study or even retire.
Playing Super Rugby, in my eyes still the best provincial competition in world rugby, or the Rugby Championship for their country is not enough or not worth much in their eyes. Let’s face it.
The sad thing is that players, clubs, franchises and fans are okay with that as long they get good results every four years.
That’s where I am different to most people on The Roar.
I like rugby and many sports too much to just be happy with a month-long competition every four years. I want a better and longer Super Rugby, and a Rugby Championship that is every player’s dream to play in and win.
I don’t know what to think of David Pocock’s potential of taking a sabbatical, but I do feel sad and slightly frustrated that he’d rather study and miss some important competitions in his ten-year long rugby career than play rugby for the Brumbies or the Wallabies.
I know most people are happy that Australia are competitive every four years, but wouldn’t you prefer a great Super Rugby comp that every player has real ambitions to win?
In my view the ARU and SANZAAR nations should have looked at consolidating Super Rugby and making it longer and stronger. A nine-month domestic championship that keeps all rugby supporters interested and generates more money (as there would be more content) woud be preferable in my eyes.
Now it seems that we have basically reentered a four year-cycle that doesn’t mean much to anyone, except getting ready for the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Club or franchise rugby should still be our staple food, with the Rugby World Cup the cherry on the cake.
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.