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As we come to the close of a particularly tough Super Rugby season from an Australian perspective, one where we often found ourselves wanting in the face of our Kiwi brethren, we as a rugby playing nation need to sit down and begin to really examine where we currently sit.
Where do we wish to go and how best to get there?
As an aside, I have chosen not to discuss the June Tests as I believe they are symptomatic of greater issues at the Super Rugby level. It’s something that has been touched by the likes of ARU CEO Bill Pulver but we are yet to see anything in detail.
It has been less than ideal off the pitch for the majority of the Australian franchises as well. Most notably there has been coaching upheaval at the Reds.
There have been backroom shenanigans at the Brumbies, while the need for ARU intervention at the Force all suggest that 2016 has been a less the optimal year for Australian rugby.
This is disappointing considering how well we finished 2015.
So, how do we best proceed? With the intervention at the Force we may have been provided a glimpse toward the model that could permit the game to begin to move forward. And that is a move toward a complete centralisation of the professional game.
In the direct aftermath of the ARU taking over operations at the Force, Bill Pulver suggested the need for greater coordination at that level of the game. I agree.
According to an article published in 2014, the annual combined operating expenses of the five franchises totalled $84 million, or roughly $16.8m per franchise.
When looking at these figures I cannot help but ask myself, ‘how many of these costs are duplicated from franchise to franchise?’ Would it not be more efficient and beneficial for a central department to effectively take over all administration and high-performance matters as a means to achieve greater results and financial benefits?
How much money could potentially be saved and then redirected toward player retention, player pathway development or most vital of all a greater level of overall participation in the game in general?
Would a central department provide the ability to set consolidated goals and objectives in player development? Goals and objectives that establish best practice and garner results both on and off the pitch?
I believe the answer to both is yes.
It’s not without precedent either. Just looking east to our nearest rivals in New Zealand for proof that a centralised system can prove particularly fruitful. Three Rugby World Cups including the last two and the lion’s share of Super Rugby titles – including in all likelihood this year’s title.
All the New Zealand franchises have essentially sung from the one song sheet and thus have perpetually maintained the status as the standard setters, both in Super Rugby and in the Test arena as well.
A question that may arise apart from suggestions of a Sydney-centric perspective what would become of the state unions? Nothing, apart from a re-prioritisation of their purpose.
Removing the professional game from the administration of the unions would allow for a renewed and solitary focus on their role in administrating and developing the community game.
The funding model would obviously need to be assessed but situations such as player registration from within the unions could be redirected to provide each one with the resources it needs to maintain operations.
With the ARU doubling its development funds from $5m a year to $10m a year, these could be still distributed with the purpose of development. It could even be possible that with any monies saved by centralising the professional game these grants could be expanded.
Put simply, there is an old adage – work smarter not harder. This is largely true of most things.
As a game, we actually have to do both. We need to spend every cent as intelligently as possible while ensuring that the expenditure achieves absolute maximum returns.
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.