Yesterday, Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle announced that a deal had been done with the four Super Rugby franchises and the Western Force to run an internal Aussie conference competition.
First, that is great news, if it actually happens.
But given the pace with which governments are announcing Covid-19 restrictions, who knows if it will get off the ground?
If all states close their borders, which could happen in the next few days, it might all be a bust.
(Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)
But at least they have given us something to be optimistic about, so I am staying positive about it and here are a few ideas.
I know we are short on detail, but since teams need to play in empty stadiums, why not move all the franchises to say Sydney and Canberra for training purposes, and play all the games at one stadium (GIO or Parramatta) and have a so-called Super studio set up for the broadcasts.
Each round could be a double header, with the Force going second, to make up for the time difference.
Someone last week suggested Townsville. It doesn’t matter where the games are played, because it will all be behind closed doors in any case. It may be better to be in the tropics, anyway.
They would need to get the teams here or whenever soon, in case they have to subject themselves to a quarantine period.
The Super studio could be set up for experimental effects, crowd noise and CGI images. All the journos can gather in one place, absolutely minimising travel.
This is a great time for experimenting, and there’s an old saying that crisis presents opportunity.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Not really. Because it wasn't going to them. It would be absolutely no use for RA to cover their liabilities.
numpty
Roar Rookie
has been forced* https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/rugby-australia-new-competition-postponed-already/news-story/43fa6bc7ab09f02ae28f6fc212e22303
gatesy
Roar Guru
You'd have to concede that, with AFL stuttering to a stop, it less likely than not that RA's hand will be forced
numpty
Roar Rookie
The failure of this comp to get off the ground was very predictable (same for NRL and AFL). Not only should it not go ahead as the responsible thing to do health wise, the ever increasing shut down will make it impossible to happen. It would already technically be 'illegal' to have a full squad in a change room given the spacing requirements of indoor spaces. Just rip the band-aid off now and pack it up, it only continues to send mixed messages to the public about their own actions.
Sul
Guest
Great idea then after that if things are still in lock down they could pick a extended Wallabies squad and play and broadcast a couple of possible, probables games, great opportunity for our new coaches to have a close look at everyone as they look to rebuild the Wallabies.
RahRah
Roar Rookie
I bet they’d love Twiggy’s 50 million right now.