A big week in rugby has seen the re-election of Bill Beaumont.
This secures the dominance of big money Northern Hemisphere rugby. Rugby Australia must adapt to this model in order to survive and flourish.
I read an interesting comment calling for Australia to adopt the French professional model of club rugby. Certainly something must be changed as the current model doesn’t seem to be pleasing anyone, including current and ex-players.
Nick Farr Jones has called for a New Zealand-type model. Personally I’m not sure it’s quite that simple. One thing is for sure, rugby needs a heavy cash injection to take it to the next level, and retain its top level players. I am as nostalgic as anyone.
But one cannot be delusional about the modern era of professional sport. The reality is modern players are driven on by agents who look to get big pay-days for rugby players today, that’s a fact.
I have spoken to several promoters and player agents never have a heard one of the mention love of sport, or nostalgia.
Firstly, RA needs to inject a considerable amount of money into the Wallabies to get back and retain top players. Win bonuses must be upped for all international matches, including the World Cup. Corporate sponsors must help retain top international players with attractive packages.
There are huge corporations in the energy, mining sectors, and communication industries. Groups such as these should be approached with a competitive Wallaby brand to expand professional rugby.
Another consideration is a fully professional model for Premier Grade rugby. This would help to lock in young talent that can code wander.
I know this goes against some supporters who want to turn back the clock. However, be honest, top club rugby in top tier nations is professional, that’s just a reality.
RA must be prepared to spend to make the game more professional and successful. If Dave Rennie can hit the ground running the game can get back to winning and bring back rugby pride. The feeling of winning should be the only nostalgic thing in RA.
Finally, it is crucial that the rugby public stop fighting among themselves. I have seen media figures giving inappropriate comments about RA and its top level administrators.
If certain media figures believe in the game and love it so much, then why help destroy it or discredit. There used to be an old saying, if you have nothing good to say, why say anything, especially seeing there are a few skeletons in their own closet.
Alan Jones is one of these figures. He was Wallaby coach for such a short period – hardly long enough to get his boots dirty – yet he reveals in rubbishing rugby constantly on his show. Positive not negative is the key to a successful professional future.
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.
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
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