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.
The health of rugby in a nation cannot only depend on the top 23 players.
Jeff
Guest
I am sorry but this is all pie in the sky stuff. I said yesterday I saw 144 pigs flying past.This one has increased the number to 200 !!!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Would they? Or would they move overseas?
Declan
Guest
For any sport to thrive it needs a strong fan base. Herein lies the problem. Big corporations don't give money away, they expect a return. The amount that a sponsorship is worth is driven by exposure i.e. the number of spectators. Sadly, fans have been deserting rugby for years, therefore, the attractiveness to sponsors reduces, less money to retain talent, on field performance slumps, fans depart...vicious circle! Catch 22. ???? Don't know the awswer, sorry!
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Some contradictions in this one. It’s not OK to criticise RA apparently, but is OK to criticise Bill Beaumont and Alan Jones. Failure to criticise and failure to heed criticism has us where we are , on life support, with the vultures circling. More money and greed seems to be the plea. The answer would be , stop wasting money on mediocre players, coaches and administrators. The market for Sport money will be very tight. Sponsors and broadcasters will want value. The good news is that we have very few players of any value in that market or here. There are plenty of alternatives, all mediocre as well. We need to fix the quality of our Rugby players. When this happens , support will follow.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Another pushing to make Shute Shield the centre of aust rugby. Make it professional! You have to pay FTA to broadcast 1 Shute shield a week imagine how much you have to pay them to broadcast the lot. RA need to be making money not losing it.
PeterK
Roar Guru
All the best brumby and rebels players would be moved to the tahs and reds. In the sort term they would be successful Of course this is a step back to 1995 and any pretence of a professional setup like at the brumbies would be forgone and old boys would rule in the 2 state unions. A very retrograde step.
AndyS
Guest
"top club rugby in top tier nations is professional" It is, but the clubs represent whole cities and regions. What you are talking about is the NRC, and I would agree that needs to be professional. But no-one anywhere has their suburban competition professional, regardless of how much money they have. It is delusional to think that is possible, especially in Australia, and especially in the current situation.
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Not sure the last few years have demonstrated that only “QLD and NSW as two very strong teams who can beat a kiwi teams more often than not.” My recollection of the last few years is that they are very weak teams who lose against everyone more than they win
Craigo
Guest
The game of RU in Australia needs to die before it comeback again. The game needs to become semi-professional. Have only Qld and NSW as two very strong teams who can beat a kiwi teams more often than not. We have to go back to the future.
robel
Roar Pro
Unfortunately there is no money for what you are proposing. Also, whether you agree with AJ or not, the governance of the game has been appalling since ~2008 in Australia. The cancelling of the ARC was the start of the malaise, exacerbated by the introduction of the Rebels and the continual bailing out of that club and pretty much all the other state unions. The problems were there to see way back then, they were not dealt with and now the whole game is in financial ruin.