The future of rugby league in England is once again at a crossroads.
Though as all fans know, the game seems to have a strange capability of surviving. Maybe it has to do with the type of people who follow the game or the game itself. For many, it is the ultimate team contact sport on the planet. Yes, fans of other codes and sports would scoff at such a notion, but it remains true for fans of the 13-a-side game.
However, what does it say when the fan base dwindles? What happens when society changes and the way a younger generation engage with sport and leisure is vastly different to the older generation? In essence, what does it matter if fans think they are watching the greatest spectacle on earth, but only 5000 people are there to witness it?
The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc on the sport in England, and it may recover – though it may not. Sky Sports has reduced its funding, and this will inevitably impact the clubs. As such, the administration is considering a raft of changes. Hopefully, unifying Super League and the Rugby Football League is high on the agenda.
Though there are other matters, the issue of crowds (on many occasions, a lack of) is an annual concern for the game in England. For example, Salford traditionally struggles to get crowds far above the 5000 figures despite showing promise during the past couple of seasons.
Furthermore, the player talent and depth are a significant concern for the sport. Undeniably, the community game has suffered over the past two seasons, which leaves more questions than answers. Will the development of players continue, or will the production line dry up? Then, the administrators need to consider – what happens if the next wave of youth chooses other options in a post-COVID, concussion-worried world? Remember, rugby league has a limited reach and appeal already. What if the base of the sport crumbles?
At present, it appears the governing body are putting their hopes on a successful World Cup. However, the last time England beat Australia (not as Great Britain) was at the 1995 World Cup opener. Hopes of a victory are just that – hope. England should make the semi-finals, but the Pacific Islands nations of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea could prove a challenge for the current English squad. This probability alone shows the decline of the England national team.
Fair enough, they did come within a missed tackle and ankle tap of an upset over Australia in 2017, but one tournament won’t solve all the game’s problems. What will? Investment in the grassroots. That is a typical response but it is still valid.
Gareth Widdop of England at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. (NRLPhotos/Gregg Porteous)
On top of this, an investment into the structure of the sport at a club and international level. The game needs a system that stands the test of time – ideally, Super League clubs should have a first, reserves and an academy set up. International success is necessary, but more than just one-off victories – sustained success will build momentum with the public and sponsors alike.
Finally, the sport needs investment from outside sources. This investment will allow the clubs to recruit the best English talent. If a rugby player can earn 30,000 pounds playing for Hull or get paid double that figure for a team in Bristol, then Bristol wins. Granted, people will still watch their local team, but the masses will choose the sport with the best players, which is where the business world and sponsorship will follow.
Naturally, there are many pieces to the puzzle that need to be put together before the sport of rugby league can reach the heights it desires in England. I’d suggest funding a media department that promotes rugby league to a wider audience through local and national media. This process would help bring in and promote sponsors, players and the game in general. Though, without funds, which the clubs so desperately need, that idea may be a tough ask.
For fans in Australia, they may be asking: Why should Australian’s care about England? Why should Australia care about England’s performances? Why should Australia care about rugby league’s popularity in England?
The answer is straightforward – if the game declines in England to such an extent that they are as competitive in depth and skill as France, then rugby league in Australia will be more or less like the Australian Football League – only a local game.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
In time, the lack of international recognition or ability to attract a global audience will limit rugby league’s chance of obtaining better sponsorship deals from global partners. What is worse is if these global brands invest in rugby union then the sport in Australia may find itself becoming a development pathway for international union competitions.
Okay, it may be hyperbolic in pessimism, but why not seek ways to grow the game? And if Australia can help England in any way – why not?
As fans, we should wonder: Can the English national team threaten Australia and win the World Cup? Can the administration in the northern hemisphere reverse the popularity decline of the sport? Ultimately, is there any hope for the sport of rugby league in England?
deucer
Roar Rookie
No need to get so defensive. The Storm are making steady progress, but we have to disagree on the word 'dramatic'. None of the examples you have supplied have made me think that increase has been dramatic. 2 years to increase to 5 grades is handy, but when you think they've been around for quarter of a century, it's hardly encouraging. TV audiences similarly show a steady increase - none of it has been dramatic. Social media exposure is very rubbery and doesn't really prove anything. We shall have to see how they keep progressing, which should be increasing as they show no signs of sliding down the pack - although that would be interesting to formulate the true level of support.
Jason
Guest
Origin needs to be removed for International rugby league to grow. As long as Origin is the pinnacle International League will not grow
Jason
Guest
Australia did lose its last test to Tonga.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Probably help if you had some idea what you were talking about. The storm data I am referring to are tv audiences, social media exposure, and other metrics which are evidence based and available. In Melbourne Game participation increased dramatically four years ago with a big increase in clubs and team numbers. Over 200 teams play out of the city now and there are 5 senior grades for men and women. Momentum was lost due to COVID but the nrl Victoria people I talk to are very pleased with growth and the future of their player systems. In addition to this schools programs are growing steadily. This is all factual. As for the gws? I couldn’t care less. I have no interest in afl.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
There was too much talk of AFL beforehand... They (ESL) knifed the NRL in the back...
deucer
Roar Rookie
It's not that easy getting independent information. Just like I wouldn't believe AFL figures on GWS, I would be sceptical of NRL figures relating to the Storm. As you say, the figures are quite good and quite OK, but I wouldn't say they are dramatic and probably look better as they are coming off a small base. If you then extrapolate them over the 20 plus years the Storm have been going, they're even less dramatic. You would think that they would be going great guns with their on field success and being able to tap into the PI market who aren't suited to AFL, but maybe the Rebels have got into that market, even though their on field success is nowhere close.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
By the way having doubts just means you haven’t bothered to research. Two years before COVID all I have described below happened. Needless to say COVID slowed it down. The game is growing in Melbourne. Clip denies it because he hates the game. It’s that simple.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Well deucer I hope you bother to be informed. Not hard to do. Do some research. But here are some thoughts. Increasing senior grades from 2 to 5 in Melbourne is quite good. Increasing club numbers in Melbourne from 12 to 17 in two years is pretty exciting. Growing the reach by 40000 in terms of participation in three years is quite okay. But you won’t hear this from clipper because he’s an afl cheer leader. It’s why I challenge him. He’s an afl bore. But you go ahead and attempt to be fair. He feeds off people like you.
deucer
Roar Rookie
Good grief you two - plenty of posts but nothing of any substance. There's no doubt the Storm's membership has increased, but I have my doubts whether participation and club numbers have increased dramatically, unless there is a more flexible meaning of the word. This does surprise me as there must be quite a large PI community down there, and yet after 20 years there are only 2-3 locals that have played in the team. Of course I'm very open to change my perception with some cold hard evidence either way.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Oh look little sir echo has joined in. You and clip would make a good couple. Two afl fans with massive chips on your shoulders. Most amusing!
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
By the way you can post here all you like. Watching the antics of a man posting about a sport he truly dislikes is thoroughly amusing. I have no idea why anybody would behave like this. I just assume it’s an ingrained habit now and you don’t now how to stop. But that’s fine. I’ll always be here to jolly you along!
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
And your profile lists an endless litany of boring posts and one article about Rugby Union. Get over yourself! You aren't even in the right forum.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Deny it all you like. And I clearly remember how you bragged about it on a rugby league forum. It’s clear that you really dislike the sport so anything you say about it and your so called business decision has to be treated as malarkey. To put it bluntly I don’t believe you. You have a clear agenda. It doesn’t upset me at all. But it does worry me that people like you behave like this. It’s weird.
clipper
Roar Rookie
I would say what's pathetic is the constant replying without any actual substance. What I say about the storm and league down there is not false. There were no antics at the pub - only a sensible business decision. I know it upsets you that other pubs have followed with this decision. You say you point to the facts, but you don't supply any.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
What you say about the storm and Victorian rugby league is false. What I said about your pub antics is true. What I say about your constant anti nrl agenda is a proven fact. Why you do this I don’t know. I don’t insult you. Your not worth it. I just point to the facts. The fact is you are an afl snob with a long standing agenda. And you do this elsewhere as well as we both know. It’s pathetic.
clipper
Roar Rookie
You are falsifying what I said to suit your agenda and my comments about the storm and league down there are the reality. Whether I have bias or not does not alter that. Again, just attacking me and not refuting my information. No matter how much you attack me, I won't stoop that low and use insults and abuse.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
He is a sad boring little man.
Randy
Roar Rookie
If he wasn't so threatened by League he wouldn't bother commenting. Despite the NRL's failures and apparently dwindling participation and interest, it still remains the biggest and most lucrative professional Rugby comp in the world.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
I’m not falsifying what you said. I’m repeating it. You’ve changed the story. And you know it. These aren’t insults. These are self evident truths obvious to anybody whose watched you over many years. Why you do it I don’t know. But I’ll keep calling you on it. Your comments about the storm and Victorian rugby league are blatantly untrue by the way. It’s just another example of your extreme bias against this sport. Laddy.
clipper
Roar Rookie
Again, insults and no evidence to back up your 'dramatically' claim. BTW, I did not refuse people to watch, I didn't show league on the tv's and revenue increased - there are a few smaller pubs around with a similar strategy today. Please don't falsify what I said.