Roar Rookie
Joined March 2021
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Australian rugby has had a rocky ride in the last few months (years perhaps, decades even) but let’s not dwell on that. Instead, let’s…
Harry Kimble had a thing for hats. He wore more than a few during his time in rugby as a ball boy, player, ref,…
Australians as a people tend towards a sunny outlook. At least that’s the popular perception. Yet for some reason, rugby in these parts seems…
It has to be a record. Not even three days after Australia was announced as the host of not one but two Rugby World…
Could there possibly be a more treacherous (some might say suicidal) rugby mission than to set up shop in the most rabid AFL city…
If we've heard it once, we've heard it a thousand times: Australian Super Rugby teams are just a no-good sorry bunch, losing 92 per…
At this time of year, everyone has their own rugby wish list. Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie’s list would no doubt begin and end…
Samu Kerevi said it best a couple of years back, with his memorable promise to “learn the learnings”, and – after a 2021 season…
“Age and treachery will triumph over youth and exuberance” was the encouraging message on a birthday card purchased recently for an older family member.…
The Wallabies right now resemble a golden retriever puppy – good-natured, full of energy and easy to like despite the occasional accident on the…
Numbers tell a story but not always the full story or the most important, and they don’t always get to the heart of the…
It’s the question that just won’t go away: should Australian rugby’s overseas contingent be eligible to play for the Wallabies? The argument fired up…
Like any respectable rugby tragic, I’ve spent the past few years scouring articles, listening to pods and indulging the experts who all claim to…
How much is too much when it comes to Test rugby? Rugby hasn’t always been good at getting its offering right. However, with Rugby…
A week is a long time in rugby. This time last week I started to draft an outline of the key things I thought…
Appreciate the thought given to the article and fully agree that one of the most pressing issues is to restore the tribal battles to professional rugby in Aus. Super Rugby Pacific has actually been good this year with lots of hard-fought games and upsets. It has its place but it can’t offer those Aussie-only rivalries we love. But (other than money and existing commitments through to 2030) I can’t see why we can’t have a domestic SRAU comp as the main course with a short, sweet SRP champions cup for dessert. However, trying to manufacture teams from premier club rugby for a domestic comp simply won’t work. It either needs to be just a six-team comp with the existing Aussie five plus the Drua or an eight-team comp with the addition of NSW Country (based in Orange or Bathurst?) and Qld Country (Townsville?). Building on pathways from premier club rugby to professional rugby and from schools/junior club rugby to premier clubs is vital for players and coaches. It all needs investment, but where that comes from is the great unresolved issue.
The Super Rugby reboot I need to hate the Reds again
RA needs to work out how to leverage the success of the women’s team into commercial opportunity. It’s a tough one with almost all their exploits occurring offshore. They are a fantastic example of high performance but I’m getting concerned that the red cards might bite them on the biggest stage of all.
'I was bloody nervous': Hooper stars on Aussie sevens debut, women on track in HK despite red card
Fantastic to have Hoops back. Only seen the highlights but sounds like a mixed bag of good and not-so-good — exactly what he and everyone was expecting from his first outings. Encouraging to see the boys pushing the teams above them in the rankings but they must be rueing not turning the screws on France while they were ahead.
'I was bloody nervous': Hooper stars on Aussie sevens debut, women on track in HK despite red card
Good one, Roar! Blood was beginning to boil until I remembered the date.
EXCLUSIVE: Schmidt to appoint David Warner as Wallabies leadership consultant
It’s easy to make the right decision when your team is dominating. Wright’s work-on is making the correct call when the heat is on. That said, he’s a sensational player, just as Kellaway is — they just have different strengths. He’s no doubt thanking his lucky stars he wasn’t involved in the World Cup shambles; the Aussie A/Baabaas tour looked like much more fun.
'Hang on': Forgotten Wallaby tipped for big year as Wright reveals 'biggest work-on'
Fantastic to have Will back. Fingers crossed he stays fit and healthy and finds some form. Go well, young man! Thanks for a great piece, Christy.
Inspirational Harrison set for first Super Rugby match in 707 days as Tahs out to snap 'frustrating' run
Gilmore has been doing most of the hands-on coaching, apparently, while Coleman fills in as GM so the results have to reflect on Gilmore as well. As disappointing as the last three results have been, I’d give Coleman another year. The Tahs don’t go away, and that’s a big point in their favour but definitely some fine-tuning required. Perhaps it’s time to give Perese or Nawaqanitawase a spell on the bench. Sure they can break games open but they’re pretty one-dimensional at times. I’d like to see Harry Wilson starting.
Deja vu for Tane as Drua deliver another heart-breaker to under fire Coleman
Spot on. Rugby needs more money that is not high-interest loans or private equity. Hopefully, improved competitiveness will increase eyeballs, triggering more money from Stan and more corporate sponsorship.
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
How do you rip up a signed contract?
RA reeling and facing a mass exodus of biggest stars - there are three key reasons why they're in peril
Thanks for the insightful review of the weekend, Geoff. It certainly feels as though SRP is roaring back into life. I’m loving the commitment of the Australian teams, and really it’s up to them to dig Aussie rugby out of its malaise. If they fire, the crowds return, and the money follows — and maybe the Rebels survive. At the moment, the comp is so enthralling in its own right that it’s all people are thinking of, with little chat about national teams or players’ chances for higher honours — and that’s a very good thing!
The Wrap: The two massive power shifts shaping Australian and New Zealand rugby
You’d hope the Rebels and RA can come to a sensible compromise that does not involve wasting scarce funds on lawyers. Of course, any reimbursement of withheld fees from RA to the Rebels would presumably have to be replicated to the other Super clubs, which RA can’t really afford. We really need a major Australian sponsor to step in and support Super Rugby Pacific. Beyond Buildcorp, I just can’t see who that might be. The good thing is that there are signs of life at QLD and NSW, our biggest markets. The Rebels too look as though they are building some cohesion with their two big new recruits, and hopefully the Brumbies will get over their blip. Super Rugby Pacific must take off this season for all sorts of reasons, including financial.
BTW, to set a few things straight, RA did not pay Pocock to take a ‘expensive’ sabbatical. Reimbursement for his two-year contract was simply amortised across three years. A substantial component of his RA top-up was privately funded anyway. As for Folau, it’s almost certain that RA had insurance to cover this kind of event, which would have absorbed some of the cost. You could argue that Folau should never have been recontracted but once he was, RA and its insurers took the most prudent path to settle the ugly matter. Let’s hope Australian rugby’s decision-makers are entering a new era of fiscal responsibility — I just want to focus on the pitch!
ANALYSIS: The Rebels aren't going down without a fight - and they might drag Rugby Australia down with them
Hooper’s five-year Tahs/RA contract expired last year. He’s now contracted to the Sevens program.
ANALYSIS: The Rebels aren't going down without a fight - and they might drag Rugby Australia down with them
If the expenses were unauthorised, how is RA liable? Surely the costs should be settled by those who incurred them. And as others have asked, what is the outcome of the negotiation with the French Federation about the fee for the warm-up game?
Waugh reveals shocking $2.6 million unapproved budget blowout on Eddie Jones' World Cup debacle
How will Kearnsey’s comments look? The same way they looked when he made them (and the same way everything he says looks) — ill-judged and self-serving. Just as well rugby people know he’s an irrelevance.
'No one backed us': $8 outsiders Waratahs upset Crusaders AGAIN as Edmed steps up to deliver famous win
Fantastic work, Tahs. Take a bow. The finesse wasn’t always there but the energy and effort was undeniable, exemplified by Sinclair’s charge down. Front row awesome, Holloway a tower of strength, back row into everything, Gordon a superb captain’s knock and Edmed gaining confidence minute by minute. Midfield newbies did good. Congrats to DC and the coaches too. Now you need to do it again and again!
'No one backed us': $8 outsiders Waratahs upset Crusaders AGAIN as Edmed steps up to deliver famous win
Two days into Super Round and our talent’s looking like it’s spread just about right. How about getting behind our SRP teams, Phil, rather than tearing them down?
'Our talent is spread too thin': Ex-Wallabies captain urges Rugby Australia to cut Super teams
Good on you for making the effort to go. The more who attend, the better the atmosphere. Teams feel supported to work harder, the competition improves, finances stabilise …
'We needed that': Gordon, Kellaway star in Rebels' epic comeback win as Force capitulate
Coleman’s had success with different teams so he clearly has something to offer. It’s just a big step up from Shute/MLR to SRP. The draw and injury list makes for a challenge but if the Tahs can show progress over the next few weeks and come up with a win or two and a bit of momentum, I’d extend his contract. Put it this way, why would you invest in his three years of development only to cut and run before the pay-off? Just like players, coaches take time to grow.
'If I get this team winning, I keep a job': DC's incredibly classy response to questions over his precarious future
Awesome comeback, Rebs! If the pack can stay healthy and focused, your backs will do the rest. Love the way you showed the doubters and gave your fans reason to cheer. Do it for the full season and anything can happen. 😁
'We needed that': Gordon, Kellaway star in Rebels' epic comeback win as Force capitulate
Love your work, Bobby and Eva. Congrats on the awards, and to all winners. Nice to have some good rugby news.
'Fire in a lot of players’ bellies': Bruiser claims 'bittersweet' John Eales Medal, says RWC pain will 'motivate' Wallabies
Absolutely agree with Cheika that the focus should be on Super Rugby, and giving the teams every chance of success. They’ve been playing with one hand tied behind their backs since the Covid funding cuts. We need to restore Supef to the magnificent tournament it once was — how is another question.
Decision time: Clubs queuing up to pounce on Rebels' best as Rugby Australia given warning over in demand Wallabies
Thanks for sharing these wonderful stories, Cannonball. Glad your little one had such a lovely experience.
'Want to show rugby isn't dead in Melbourne': Rebels skipper's fighting words as Eddie calls for 'hard decisions'
Best of luck, Rob and Rebs. Australian rugby is behind you! The best way you can turn things around is by having a stellar season so stay tight and put everything you have into 2024.
'Want to show rugby isn't dead in Melbourne': Rebels skipper's fighting words as Eddie calls for 'hard decisions'
“numb below the waste”, Tony? What on earth does that even mean?
I was definitely numbed by the waste of 2023 orchestrated by Jones and McLennan. I’m just glad that grown-ups are back in control, adults who understand that rugby is not won and lost in the media.
Sure, there won’t be the cheap and easy headlines that some journos may have become used to. It’s time for the players and their rugby to do the talking.
COMMENT: In trading Greatest Showman for 'boring' and 'pragmatic' Sleepy Joe, RA gambling with game's future
Belly must be wondering what he’s done to anger the rugby gods! So frustrating after everything he’s been through to get his foot right. However, absolutely sure he will overcome this setback. Stay strong, Belly.
'Needs to be considered': Bell out of Super Rugby season as ex-Wallaby suggests left-field positional switch