What does it take to be an Australian rugby supporter?
For me, there are two things I feel it takes to be a rugby supporter. I assume most are Australian (or live in Australia), and you need to enjoy watching and/or playing rugby.
Me? I’m Australian, but have lived in the US for the past 15 years. I lived the glory years of the 90s and early noughties as a Wallabies fan, and carry the burden of elevated expectations knowing what can be achieved.
When I arrived here in the US, it was almost impossible to watch Super Rugby or the Wallabies, and I’d have to reconstruct games from YouTube highlights and Facebook posts. Now it’s simple to watch rugby here in the US.
Live games are tough (they take place between 1am and 6am), but I roll out of bed, fire up the Apple TV, and hit up the relevant app: ESPN, Flo Sports, Peacock (NBC), even the RugbyAU app.
But I’m a husband and dad with limited time, and have to chose the games I watch, which has led to a simple and uninspiring rule: when I wake up, I check the Aussie team scores, and only watch the games we win.
I haven’t watched much Super Rugby in the past five years. And I’m at the point where I can’t watch Wallabies matches against New Zealand either. In fact, a few weeks ago, I had to step away from my Twitter account for a while (atNrcSydney – yep I’m that much of a fan) because I just couldn’t emotionally take yet another weekend of reading through threads picking apart why we are ‘so bad’, whether the referees are biased, etc.
You see, I think I know what is going wrong! Seriously though, I want to start a conversation about some difficult topics – topics that result in anger and accusations, but are probably the topics that genuinely need to be addressed.
Australian rugby is declining and shrinking, both off the field (attendance at games, for example), and on the field (Super Rugby, anyone?). Returning to our criteria for being an Australian rugby supporter: enjoy watching the game is essential, and who wants to watch losing? Who wants to lose for that matter?
The professional Australian rugby landscape at Super Rugby and Wallabies level is defined by one simple fact: Australian players lose many more games than they win. Why? Because they mainly play teams from New Zealand, and New Zealand have skill/depth/quality and have been far better for two decades.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
And it’s getting worse, mainly because we’ve trimmed Argentina and South African teams from Super Rugby, taking away the chance for some occasional wins.
So what can be done?
New Zealand
It’s not their fault, but New Zealand are the root of all our problems. Do we really need to play the best to be the best? I don’t know the answer, but for the past two decades we’ve tested the concept, and failed to improve despite playing the best.
And, let’s be honest, it’s great for NZ. They get to constantly keep their foot on the throat of Australian rugby at all senior levels – we haven’t been able to breathe for two decades. It’s time to step away from New Zealand rugby, because they are too good.
Yes, we need some engagement, but constant losing – and let’s be honest it’s basically constant – is pushing people away. Who wants to watch a game we are 90 per cent likely to lose when there’s so many sport alternatives available with great domestic competitions.
I really didn’t understand why everyone was so upset when New Zealand tried to push Australia to only two Super Rugby teams. Let’s be honest – they are right.
We don’t like the idea in Australia because it doesn’t fit our domestic team reality of five sides (and the pain of cutting the Force when it was the wrong team to cut).
Australia should engage in a Super Rugby comp with NZ, accept that they can field five sides as good as the Wallabies, and pick two teams for that comp that pools our players – and win a couple of games.
Who would those two teams be? There is no non-painful answer I’m sorry: Sydney and Brisbane. Why did New Zealand want two Australian teams? Because they recognise that we aren’t offering much for the current Super Rugby tournament format. They have fans that want to watch competitive games too.
And a reduced SR format for Australia might keep some players in Australia too. Yes, the salaries in Europe and Japan are attractive, but if I had played a few seasons of Super Rugby I’d also wonder whether seven or eight more seasons of being whipped by New Zealand teams is worth it.
Moving to a European or Japanese club at least means they will win games, and maybe a competition! Stay in Australia and lose…. or earn more in an even competition overseas. It’s a no-brainer.
If we engage in a competition where Australian teams have the right skill/depth and win, people will watch, and people might play, and people might stay.
Will Skelton. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
As for the Bledisloe, Australia won’t win it while they need to win twice in a year (which would be true for a two or three-match series). So it’s time to step away.
New Zealand rugby is Australia’s absolutely essential partner. Australian rugby needs to be realistic about how much rugby is good for us.
Super Rugby AU was awesome! Yes, it was borne of COVID necessity, but for a little over two months, people were excited about rugby! Why? Scheduling was great, all games were on our timezone, and an Aussie team won every game!
People watched, people signed up to Stan, my league-watching relatives watched the finals, and everything was going to be ok! Australian rugby needs Super Rugby AU, with five (or 6) teams. These players could feed into two Super Rugby teams with squad depth.
Not enough games. Okay, so we have Super Rugby, and we have international windows. Our players who aren’t in the Wallabies squad basically stand down in June, and then don’t top-flight rugby again until Super Rugby trial games in January.
In my opinion this is the fundamental flaw in Australian rugby. While New Zealand players are in NPC, ours literally don’t have an option. We are missing a national competition.
Australia A and a next-tier international competition. Remember real rugby tours with mid-week games? Yep, I’m old, but those games were awesome when you could watch them playing France A, or Munster, or whatever.
They also allowed a shadow 23 to develop depth for the Wallabies. Accepting that those may be a thing of the past, RA should explore bringing together a next-tier international competition. Teams are aplenty in our time zone: Japan, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, heck even the US, Canada, Uruguay, Argentina A, Brazil…regular games for the “next XV” of Australian rugby will build depth, and regional rugby.
You may cringe, but those countries contain over half-a-billion people! I’m going to double down and say when the Wallabies tour Europe at the end of each year, Australia A should be touring also.
(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Club competitions
I am going to get this out of the way. The Shute Shield is a suburban multi-grade competition, out of the control of NSWRU and Rugby Australia.
It’s interest is in… Shute Shield (mainly in the Eastern half of greater Sydney). That’s how it should stay, and how it will stay.
It’s a great comp, and I love watching my beloved West Harbour on Stan Sport now. Shute Shield can’t be a Suburban comp, and also build a top-flight first-grade comp. Penrith being kicked out demonstrates no long-term interest in growing the Sydney rugby community and player numbers – the main gripe was that Penrith couldn’t field enough teams for all grades at other clubs to get a game.
A national competition
I was a huge fan of the NRC. As a national competition, it provided a development pathway for up-and-coming players, it was competitive, and it offered to fill a place in the calendar where competitions weren’t there.
Sydney Rugby elected to pro-actively disrupt NRC, probably because it wasn’t Shute Shield, but it was taken seriously everywhere else. Current Wallabies developed in that competition, and it gave promising coaches a chance to be tested (it’s how we found Brad Thorn!)
Yes – it isn’t profitable, but it’s worth investing in NRC again when the money is there. Because without a way to build depth and build player skills with more games, there will be less and less and less money there for Rugby Australia anyway.
As it currently stands, our Australian players lose most games. No one wants that, but we commit to competition structures that guarantee it will continue.
I believe it’s because we play the wrong competition (we need to get away from New Zealand for the sake of Australian rugby’s fan-base while we still have one), and because our players don’t play enough top-level games (way too much down-time without a national competition).
Yes, but you don’t understand the commercial model.
Yes, but there are lots of Kiwis in Australia who want to watch their teams.
Yes, but a national competition isn’t profitable.
Yes, but the 1991 World Cup-winning team came from club rugby.
Yes, but the Australian Rugby Championship was a disaster.
Those are all valid, as will be lots other points. In my opinion (and this pains me to say), the Australian rugby community spends a lot of time pretending it’s on an equal footing with New Zealand rugby. We aren’t, and the ‘constant losing’ is shrinking the game.
We need to focus on providing a product people in Australia want to see (a domestic competition where a local team wins), that also serves the purposes of building player confidence, player skills, and pathways for player development.
Micko
Roar Rookie
"rascist"? You don't have a clue what that even is buddy! you don't like the answer adam so you have to play some victim card. And ironically you resort yourself to rascism with some anti-white nonsense regarding "forty thousand years" bulltish, the same sort of nonsense the arrogant git Jacko has said on here. :angry: You and 700,000+ kiwis like Jacko are in Australia because of the country that white people built, including thousands who were forced to be slave labour to build this great country. You're NOT here because of aborigines! So stop the rascism, stop the arrogance and stop the sense of entitlement ,and get rid of that giant chip on your shoulder adam, and you'll find aussies like me will be more accommodating to you. :thumbup: And if you want to keep deluding yourself about rugby union's status in Australia adam, then that's fine, but don't think people like me won't put you straight. Now jog on son! :thumbup:
adam smith
Roar Rookie
Well, there it is…the same tired, lazy, lame, rascist, answer you give when you can’t actually argue against someone else’s point?! (Is there a running tally on how many times Micko has typed “deluded Kiwi” to help his fragile ego?!?!) Where have I ever said rugby would “take over” like you claim?! Good luck, take your time…try hacking my account & typing that exact thing…you may just find it then… Based off of your recycled comments ad nauseam, you’re very familiar with “delusion”. Claiming I have said something when I haven’t…(symptom of delusion)… Claiming a small minority as a majority…(symptom of delusion)… Claiming one town/city’s opinion is that of the greater Aus populace…(symptom of delusion, see a pattern yet?)… And when you can’t actually come up with stats or a coherent argument, you make endless broad statements about “deluded kiwis” because your argument lack’s substance… And still lacking a cohesive argument, you drag in the AFL fanbase to add “weight” to an argument you’ve already lost…talk about desperation… You have zero proof to back up your statements… You slander people when you don’t like what they say (again, lacking a minute amount of intelligence to argue their actual point)… You create an illusion of what someone has said, in order to “win” the argument (even though that’s not what they’ve said)… And resort to “racial/national bias” overtones to “delude” yourself, that you know what you’re talking about…(more symptoms of delusion)… Fact of the matter is six of my eight great grandparents (Murray’s/Boults/Smith’s) were born in Victoria. Now unless you have roots going back forty thousand years, you’re as much a “naturalised” Australian as I am. Feel free to respond when your reply doesn’t include any racial tones…I’m not holding my breath…
Micko
Roar Rookie
You're the typical deluded kiwi adam: thinking rugby union is going to take over in Australia, or have some huge popularity surge because that's your desperately desired dream. It's like some dopey AFL fans claiming they'll have an AFL franchise in NZ one day! :laughing: :silly:
adam smith
Roar Rookie
:laughing: Credit where credit is due, you’re committed to your delusions. You think one town/city speaks for the whole of Australia?! :laughing: I’ve lived in 3 states/cities, worked all over Australia as a Laha/Fifo Distribution Lineman, played & reffed rugby (2nd’s & 3rd’s mainly) in many different little backwater towns for the last 16 years…& still don’t have the same arrogance as you, to proclaim I “know” with 100% certainty what they’re all thinking :laughing: Just because you continue to claim you’re omniscient, doesn’t make it so :laughing:
Micko
Roar Rookie
I LIVE, WORK, SOCIALISE in my hometown for decades, thus I speak to people and know if they like sport or not, and what specific sports/sports teams/franchises they like. This is the reality on the ground adam, whether you like the facts or not.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
So, cause you’ve only known ONE ex-pat, that makes you all-knowing?!?! Roger that… :thumbup:
cispt2
Roar Rookie
Jim - I agree. I don't think RA can accept that we still aren't in our glory days, or that we deserve to be treated like world champs because of a moment that occurred over 20 years ago.
cispt2
Roar Rookie
Thanks JR - since writing this article, i've decided that selecting overseas players is probably needed while we fix things.
cispt2
Roar Rookie
Thanks Snowybaker - totally agree that tight and tough matches are essential - NRC reallllly tried to make it as easy as possible to score tries.
cispt2
Roar Rookie
Thansk Jimbo - I don't think i need NRC to come back if some sort of SU AU exists during international window.
Jimbo
Roar Rookie
That is a very sensible argument, in my opinion. The reaction to the Oz SR was one of greater interest and enthusiasm, and generated more optimism in our own rugby. All missing for a long time. A refreshing read in content and readability. Thanks, and well done that man!
Micko
Roar Rookie
NZ is only dominant over Australia in rugby union, but you keep spouting this nonsense Republican despite being told countless times it's not true!
Snowybaker
Guest
Good column.... I always felt the biggest issue with NRC was that they tried to make it both a pathway competition and a place to conduct rule experiments. Memo Rugby bosses - a hard fought 17 -13 win can be far more exciting than a 57-53 scoreline. When your marketing boffins ask people what they like to see (tries) a follow up question about in what circumstance (well earned, well constructed etc, means my teams winning) rather than just the 'more tries = good' mantra.
JR
Roar Rookie
Agree w/yr assessment at every level (been living in US for 40+ yrs). The key and ultimate problem is lack of quality players in Oz rugby. Kids shift to League or Rules both of which have talent scouts scouring the schools and funneling the talent. The best of coaches, the finest of facilities etc etc will not change anything. Unless RA stems the talent bleed, OZ rugby will become/remain moribund.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I answered it. You just don't like the answer.
jim
Guest
IMO I think the ARU is so focused on a quick return to the glory days by any means possible, they are missing opportunities. If we start from the point that union in Aus is stuffed.. completely, then there isn't much point in talking about the next big sponsorship deal or the latest transfer from League. A complete rebuild is needed. It needs the equivalent of chapter 11 so they can get time to restructure. It won't be popular as the fans want to see winners but without it, the time in the wilderness will be long. No point in constantly banging heads with the ABs. Start arranging matches with second-tier nations and ABs second team. Give the Wallabies a chance to take a breath and learn to play in space again instead of simply getting flattened or, forced into stupid handling errors. Sponsorship. Huge opportunity isn't with the big end of town but with the companies that have been hammered by the last few years and are rebuilding. Produce alignment as they call it. As the Wallabies rebuild so their sponsor (s) can leverage their own rebuilding. Don't have one name on the jersey have a few. Share the spoils around - dont go for the twenty million as you wont get it anymore, go for smaller amounts but more of them. Take a lesson from the pollies in the US who get millions and millions from lots of people giving 20 USD a pop If players want to head overseas let them go. Why keep them around if the pickings are richer elsewhere. ARU can't afford them and being smacked by the ABs week in and week out isn't exactly fun. My bet is that x % will return pretty quickly. It's the same as cutting back the trees in the garden, take away the canopy and give the young players the chance to grow. I suspect that pitching younger hungry players against teams like the AB second/third string will not be as one-sided as people think. Be better to watch than the current rubbish. However, when the players return from overseas, do a deal with them. Get them working with the smaller regional clubs and start the conveyor belt properly. They should have made enough money to be able to live comfortably so it is all about getting out of the house and doing something useful. Spread them around the smaller clubs If you go to bed dreaming about the Wallabies lifting the RWC in France then this isn't for you. However, if the need to rebuild the whole conveyor belt is accepted then it has to be done completely and properly. Might miss out on an RWC or two but it is better than the alternative.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Pipedream development comps won't get Australia anywhere. They have to be paid for by someone, somehow. What they need to do is fix the top tier of pro rugby. The whole system of super rugby is extremely poor and inefficient, but the dopey aussies keep following the kiwis down a dead end road! Fix that and THEN worry about development comps! :thumbup:
adam smith
Roar Rookie
So, you have no actual argument, nor can address what I said?! Least Micko can actually converse, rather than insult… :laughing: Throwing insults is always a sign that you’ve subconsciously admitted defeat, & have nothing poignant to reply.
adam smith
Roar Rookie
You are in fact correct Micko, which is exactly what I stated…with attitudes like yours, RA will never get anywhere. You’ll never get anywhere without a third tier. RA will never get anywhere with Sydney constantly excluding everyone else (like WA/Force). It’s entirely NSW/Sydney’s fault, the NR/ARC has collapsed. They’re dirty that they lost a comp they failed to support. You may “think” that Ra rugby will never get anywhere, but just like me…you don’t actually “know that”…unless of course you are a psychic/clairvoyant (which neither of us are), that’s just you being a pessimist. Instead of always running the joint down, why don’t you descend from your exalted position & contribute something positive. Since you obviously & so stoically (ad nauseam) point out the issues, why don’t you address & “fix” them? Much easier to live in your “90’s” “but but but in our heyday” fantasy then contribute something positive?!?! You just trot out the same tired arguments, “What happened in the 90’s/Sydney yadayadaya/compete with NRL/AFL etc”…newsflash, it aint the 90’s anymore… What’s with the competition with Nz? That has absolutely zero to do with Oz…Oz wants better players, you NEED somewhere to develop them. NZRFU has issues, just like RA. We both have Basketball on the improve, we both have the NRL & iPads/video games etc. Cause as you’ve intimated relentlessly “in our heyday/Randwick/90’s etc” BS it’s not the 90’s…the world has moved on, time for RA to do the same… You’re a realist yeah?!?! Realists told Twiggy/Musk/Jobs et al, it couldn’t be done…where are they now…
Guess
Roar Rookie
I'd rather go fully domestic. Thought it's obvious from my post. I don't see why Australians need to win or even play NZ to enjoy rugby. League doesn't need NZ somehow. I don't mind short playoffs tho even if Aus teams will lose but that's it. Nothing against kiwis but I think Australia is too dependent on NZ and it needs to become more locally oriented. I don't approve what WF does. They're creating salary race that will force other clubs do the same and waste money on foreigners or become uncompetitive. Also it leads to fewer opportunities for locals