Rugby Australia announce $9.2m deficit, board member fails to be re-elected but coup falls over
Six months after the Wallabies’ worst World Cup result, Rugby Australia has announced a $9.2 million deficit from the 2023 season. The Roar can…
Opinion
The beginning of the week has seen some positives for Australian rugby with the resolution of player wage cuts.
It also appears World Rugby has thrown a lifeline to Australia with the backing of our bid to host the 2027 World Cup.
That all leads us to the question of which players will be part of the next two world cup campaigns.
Queensland has a lot of young talent ready to sharpen their teeth on international rugby when it resumes, and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson praised the Queensland pack in a closely fought game in Christchurch earlier this year.
There have been some questions asked this week about Michael Hooper continuing as captain of the Wallabies. With the loose trio of Liam Wright, Harry Wilson and Izack Rodda in top form, it begs the question: could Rodda or Wright lead a young Wallabies squad into the next World Cup?
Certainly all great international sides have great leaders – they have a Martin Johnson or a Richie McCaw type figure. Certainly the Queensland pack under coach Brad Thorn is improving every match.
An article by Daniel Gilhooly highlighted the kicking woes in Australian rugby. This can surely be addressed by a full-time kicking coach or extra training of some nature.
As rugby finds its feet in these troubled times it appears the NRL is unsure of the next positive move after senior playing greats have said no to the concept of leaving families to play matches. I find it interesting that the much-maligned Warriors are now regarded as an asset to the competition as they are willing to participate in a tournament during COVID-19 restrictions.
As Anzac Day approaches I wonder what the old diggers would have made of all of this. One thing is for sure: it may bring Australia closer to its old ally New Zealand in a positive way. Maybe Anzac Tests in both codes should be considered in the future.
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