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Joined May 2020
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Needed to join The Roar to broadly agree with the sentiments of Peter and Corne above…
Domestic competitions should be first and foremost- each country sorts out its own domestic competition, whatever works for the domestic marketplace and audience. This is dictated by each country’s own union, to best fit their situation. Then dependent on numbers in each league, evolving success etc, a small number of their top teams moves forward to a SANZAR / Southern Hemisphere / inter continental champions cup later in season (replaces super rugby). Early days probably only NZ, RSA, Aus, Arg and hopefully Japan – but with scope to expand into emerging markets as the world resets post covid 19. This focuses on individual needs, domestic rivalries, local tv deals first, whilst still having the next tier of ‘continental’ competition later. Expansion is possible by adding more groups as more unions apply to send teams to the inter continental tournament. Kept short and sharp, to increase value of each game and player welfare.
Season moves on to expanded international test championship, as detailed by Peter earlier ( I think), add Japan and another team, 5 games, rotating home and away like 6N. As the game grows potentially, introduce promotion / relegation, via a playoff game of one team from a second tier tournament. (Plus an extra bledisloe test if required). N hemisphere test / tours game window follows this.
Hopefully this is all tweaked to fit in with an aligned global calendar between N and S hemispheres, with an emphasis on quality product and player welfare.
For what it’s worth, domestically in Australia, I’d build upon the 4 super teams by reinstating the Force. If we want Rugby to gain a national foothold, I don’t see an argument that works against it. Plus the short term potential financial benefits of reengaging Mr Forrest, are surely enticing given the state of RA at the moment. (Maybe it’s just because I’m in WA!) More teams as and when deemed appropriate without diluting the product/ burning out players.
What other countries do, is their business….
The future of SANZAAR
Great overall framework here, with a few tweaks (and a seismic shift in speed and forethought from authorities) would be great to see.
Global calendar for the RWC, 6N and RC, plus aligned international test windows, as joe suggested are a must. I like the biannual idea, but would also like to see a second tier 6N and RC leagues to allow emerging nations a chance to be promoted to the top table, and ultimately grow the game elsewhere. A play off at the lowest 6N or RC team’s ground would give them a chance, whilst still favouring the top tier team, to allow the idea any chance of getting off the ground.
Domestic windows for each individual country to tailor their own domestic leagues as they see fit should dovetail into the international windows. (Allowing breaks in summer months respectively where possible SH v NH) It is no use trying to dictate to individual unions, let them tailor what works best in each market place.
A ‘champions league’ super rugby replacement then fits in for SH (+ Japan if they are interested) after the domestic leagues have finished, the format being changeable as and when other sectors develop.
NH sorts it’s own backyard out, probably continuing the broad format at the moment, easier movement around Europe. (Post current restrictions).
Candada, US, Latin America, and Asia develop their own seasons to fit into the established domestic windows, or develop relationships with existing leagues.
Test rugby therefore dictates the year, in a few globally aligned windows. Domestic rugby fits around it at the whims of each union. Player welfare and less games, but more quality should be the mantra.
NH teams are suffering financially and are also on the ‘cliff’ and will restructure their affairs too, changes are afoot over there.
In Aus, I don’t have all the answers re the Sydney and QL leagues as I don’t have the knowledge. However if rugby is to survive and remain relevant domestically it has to provide pathways, and coverage from schools, though clubs to a national competition first. The Force must be involved in the top league (it is supposed to be Rugby Australia after all) , and chances for other teams, around the country to join must be there down the line. I’m sure Twiggy would come to the table, if ‘poor decisions’ of the past are addressed, and he has deep pockets to help get out of the mire we are in.
If a super rugby champions league is in the schedule, we then get together to work out the pyramid which sits beneath it, to revive the domestic game, tv rights, and ultimately provide the Wallabies the chance to challenge internationally.
Clovid is the chance for a complete rethink, let’s not waste the opportunity.
My fearless predictions for rugby in 2022 and beyond