Super clubs give cautious support to centralised model as RA announces 'historic strategic reset' of rugby

Rugby Australia and the game’s key stakeholders have announced an agreement to pursue a “historic strategic reset of rugby in Australia.”

As reported in The Roar on Tuesday, that will include a centralised model at Super Rugby level with a national contracting model for players and coaches planned ahead of the 2025 season.

In a statement , RA said the national contracting model was a “project that RA, Super Rugby Clubs and RUPA (players’ association) have been developing over the last two years, and which will see an increase in overall investment in players to support retention and recruitment.”

“With a once in a generation pipeline of major Rugby events set to supercharge the game in Australia, headlined by the 2025 Lions Tour, the Rugby World Cup for men in 2027, and the women’s World Cup in 2029, the vision for this transformation is for all levels to have clearly defined roles, with stakeholders aligned to work more collaboratively towards greater success for Australian Rugby on and off the field,” RA said in the statement, that had input from all Super Rugby clubs as well as RUPA.

 (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)

As part of the “reset” rugby’s member unions will continue to oversee and deliver the community game.

Super Rugby Clubs will be responsible for local talent development and pathways, as well as the operational delivery of Super Rugby Pacific and Super W programs, aligned with the National High-Performance Plan.

RA will lead the National High-Performance Plan and system, which includes national pathways and development programs, national teams across XVs and Sevens, and contracting players and key high-performance staff within Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and national programs.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said it was the ideal time for a strategic transformation of Australian rugby, with an upcoming capital raise, the 2025 Lions Tour and two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.

“Together, we need to change our collective approach to ensure that Rugby in Australia can prosper, on and off the field – from the heartbeat of our game at the grassroots right through to our Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams,” said Waugh.

“We firmly believe that strategic structural change is required if we are to deliver success for the game in the future – particularly with the pipeline of major Rugby events happening in our backyard through to 2032.

“This is a significant project and needs to be done through a spirit of partnership across Australian Rugby, motivated by the collective desire to ensure we are winning on the field and ensuring that we are sustainable, and able to grow off it.

“The implementation of this model cannot be a one-size-fits-all model, and needs to reflect the specifics of each Super Rugby Club, Member Union and their markets.

“It will take time to successfully deliver this project, however we intend to formally commence work on rolling it out over the coming weeks, with a plan to methodically work through the process with our many stakeholders.

“With the many exciting events on the horizon for Australian Rugby, it is important that we take this opportunity to really set up our system, and our Clubs to be more successful, and drive the game forward at all levels.”

The Super clubs were cautious in their support for a centralised model, while noting there was still work to do to lock down details.

NSW Waratahs chairman Tony Crawford said “the reset of professional Rugby in this country is long overdue”, while Queensland Reds chairman Brett Clark acknowledged there was more work to do to get it locked down.

“The Reds will be behind measures that will lead to more successful Super Rugby clubs and Australian sides on and off the field. There is a lot of detail to work through, and we are supportive to start on what the model will look like in Queensland and how we can contribute to ensure sustained success on-field at all levels,” said Clark.

ACT Brumbies chairman, Matthew Nobbs added his club would “explore the process of helping shape the structure and direction of rugby in Australia” while Melbourne chairman Paul Docherty said the Rebels “are strong supporters of the right structural change to enhance the professional game, while ensuring we retain our national footprint and a greater inclusion and pathway from community through high-performance and into our National teams.”

Western Force chairman, Anthony Flannery said: “Rugby is healthy and growing in Western Australia and has much to offer Australian Rugby. We believe the changes that RA is proposing will allow all clubs and RA to work together to develop a high-performance program that ensures a successful future for the sport in Australia – something all rugby fans in the country can be proud of and want to be part of.

“What that looks like in each province could be different, and we have plenty to work through as a group – however, it is an exciting opportunity for the game ahead of some major milestones that we have coming up.”

Rugby Union Players Association chairman, Campbell Fisher added: “As a playing group, anything that develops better players and playing conditions must be welcomed – and that is the stated intent of Rugby Australia’s strategy here, so we are supportive, and we will be keen participants in this process.

The governing body has reiterated its commitment to five professional clubs and increased investment in women’s rugby, however with a more focused development system and greater clarity on the future contracting of players – steps that we endorse as a group, and which we believe will have a positive effect right across the game.”