Just days after firing head coach Rob Penney, the NSW Waratahs have decided to sack his interim replacements, Chris Whitaker and Jason Gilmore.
The move comes during a tumultuous week for the side which has angered diehard fans and even made supporters of rival teams feel for the men in sky blue.
However, one member of the NSW Rugby board felt there was no other way forward for the embattled organisation.
“Chris and Jason have been extremely professional during their time in charge, however, results this season have been lacking, and the team is failing to meet on-field expectations,” the board member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told The Roar.
“This decision has been made in the best interests of the Waratahs.
“We know they haven’t been in charge long enough to see out their contract or even oversee an actual game of Super Rugby yet, but the boys haven’t been training the house down under Chris and Jason and we know that’s a major benchmark for any footy team.
Chris Whitaker. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
“Plus, we need to remember that ultimate responsibility for the team’s results always lies with the head coaches – no one else.
“Like, we cannot be any clearer on that last point. The buck stops with the coach. Not the people who hired him, not the people who assembled the roster, and certainly not the people who decided to spend a million bucks less than we’re allowed under the salary cap.”
Another board member, who also didn’t want to be named, acknowledged that long-time chairman Roger Davis has decided to stand down, but remained adamant that decision can’t be made public for a few months yet, nor that Davis will be pushed from his role before he decides to go.
“Think of it this way,” the board member said.
“If you have a single person leaving the organisation now, it would just look like we’re scapegoating them for all the team’s problems. And that would not be fair to that individual, would it?”
“Like, what kind of a message would that send about the competency of the New South Wales Rugby Union?”
UPDATE: Yes, this is an April Fools article. Well done to all who worked that out! We hope you enjoyed the article.
You can rest easy, Tahs fans – Chris Whitaker and Jason Gilmore will be in charge of the team against the Brumbies tomorrow night.
piru
Roar Rookie
This would be funnier if it wasn't so likely... Well played chaps
KCR
Roar Rookie
It is possible to want NSW rugby to do well and enjoy a Warratah loss. If NSW wants to make another LSL and send him north then more power to them.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Ha tsuru, it was well played by the Roar, like a dummy I fell for it big time but while i have no currency in the Tahs, it’s almost unbelievable that the NSWRU could be “so naive”, a decision that I feel sure will come back to bite them.
Eye Roller
Guest
I’m sorry? The buck doesn’t stop with the people who assembled the playing roster? Really? So the coach can only coach the cattle you’ve given him... if you’ve bought rubbish it’s not his fault. This is exactly why NSW Rugby is a laughing stock. The top never takes responsibility and neither do the players. Just blame the Coach that’s the day way out.
Boosho
Roar Pro
Yeah, this was the perfect gag because it’s all too believable with this bunch of (insert PC acceptable word here)
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Not fooled but enjoyed it greatly. The best satire is when it's a hairsbreadth from reality and presented with a poker face. Is it credible that the NSW rugby administrators would say such things with the utmost sincerity and utter lack of self-reflection? Answer: yes, it's very believable. Nicely done, even to the gradual escalation of whoppers to the big whopper at the end.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
RT, those of us who got caught (including me) can be excused because it is just so believable that the Tah's board could be just that stupid.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
The spaghetti harvest is my favourite April 1st story, Pertstayer. Although Dick Smith's iceberg was a good one.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
:thumbup:
AJ
Guest
“Like, we cannot be any clearer on that last point. The buck stops with the coach. Not the people who hired him, not the people who assembled the roster, and certainly not the people who decided to spend a million bucks less than we’re allowed under the salary cap.” Well done guys, I twigged when I read this......just slightly too outrageous to be said out loud, but actually says it all really.
redheavy
Roar Rookie
Like this one? ???? https://www.betootaadvocate.com/sports/rugby-fans-in-a-state-of-shock-and-confusion-after-seeing-their-game-actually-being-promoted/
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
I’d prefer a Pinch and a Punch !
Kiwi in East Perth
Guest
I read this this morning and though that this sounded off and a the details looking a bit fake news. Hahaha well done had me fouled.
wahwah100
Roar Rookie
Whittakers departure would have been fair enough.
MO
Guest
You might be right Jacko. I am a fair way from the action. The head bands and leg warmers are pretty awesome.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
"Force lose Wykes but gain Rodda" Could've run with that last year!
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
In 1957 a BBC documentary showed Swiss farmers “harvesting” spaghetti. Led to instant demand for spaghetti trees.(Spaghetti wasn't common/more expensive back then).
Tom
Guest
Nothing would surprise with the old school boys running round behind backstabbing the people that are trying to move forward with this new generation.
Laurence King
Roar Rookie
Not very gullible at all, but absolutely no trust in the board so still fell for it until the last paragraph. The honesty of the board member was the not believable part.
Craig Elliott
Guest
Coaching is a craft, a science. At the elite level, the business of sport. The NSW Board are living in the fire and brimstone dark ages of coaching. Mongrel+more mongrel = WIN Get Mike Ditka to bring the Waratahs kicking and screaming into Super Rugby. The NSW Board should take over the coaching gig. Get "the boys" to do one lap that way to warm up followed by one lap the other way for balance. How hard could it be? Roy and HG could be employed as consultants. NSW Board will get the W.