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Joined February 2022
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I agree.
'Not really': RA boss shuts down pursuing NRL star, delivers update on Schmidt's Wallabies future
I’m sorry. I don’t know how to make it clearer.
'Not really': RA boss shuts down pursuing NRL star, delivers update on Schmidt's Wallabies future
“Back then (in 1996), the competition was marketed as a competition, not a development pathway, and it was hugely exciting back in the day.”
I think the direction SRP is going it will continue to be a development pathway for the Wallabies and All Blacks. I feel the structure of rugby, with the various of tiers of competition, is still too focused on the Wallabies. It is like a pastry chef, or baker, just concerning themselves on the icing of the cake so they just ice an empty cardboard box. The Wallabies is the icing and SRP is the cardboard box. We want cake with some icing.
What should the rugby cake be made of? There are many out there who would like to see the NRC return. RA are investigating a nation club competition. I think that whatever is introduced or created needs to create its own revenue. Therefore, I think SRP should morph into a NRL -esque competition, including a State of Origin inspired series to create more appeal and assist player make the step up to international level.
'We switch off': All Blacks great says Super Rugby's future depends on Australia pulling its finger out
RA is trying to slow the wage inflation which has put most national unions at risk of going under financially. I’m not sure what this means. Is RA saying they are now going to live within its means, and they expect the other nations to do the same or risk going under? Is RA allowing for them to lose the wage battle to be able to be remain standing at the end of the war?
'Not really': RA boss shuts down pursuing NRL star, delivers update on Schmidt's Wallabies future
The Australian franchises will be much stronger this year. I can’t see it being maintained into the future. It will only be a suger hit. There will be another player drain as overseas and the NRL are able to pay the players a lot more. However, New Zealand will experience a similar player drain due to receiving a downgraded broadcast deal. Either way, Super Rugby will continue to struggle for relevance.
'We switch off': All Blacks great says Super Rugby's future depends on Australia pulling its finger out
It would be irresponsible for RA to chase Brown. Brown should be near the bottom of RA’s priority list.
Wallabies on Brown's radar as Eels star casts wide net in search for new mega deal
To be fair to Kygrios, he has no control what expectations people put on him. Personally, my expectations for him are very low. Right from the beginning, it was clear he didn’t have the disposition of a Federer or Nadal which make them legends of the game. Like I said, my expectations are low for Kygrios and consequently there are times where he has exceeded them.
'Didn't even know who you were': Nick Kyrgios' savage return of serve after Kane Cornes' sledge
I’m simply repeating the information from the article during the week. You pose some good questions though.
Exclusive: 'Fly the coop' - World Cup Wallaby signs with English club as RA loses second forward in as many weeks
Test players will not be rested this year.
Exclusive: 'Fly the coop' - World Cup Wallaby signs with English club as RA loses second forward in as many weeks
I’m not too fond of the idea of starting the season in October. It is a winter after all.
I don’t think that a world club championship is really necessary with 13 to 14 tests a year should be enough international content. I understand such a concept should generate good revenue, but I think sometimes the pursue of money can result in ruining the game. It could be argued cricket is an example of this.
South Africa and New Zealand, in all their wisdom, have identified that having an alternating tour every 4 years is more benefical to them than having the TRC. Perhaps that is the way to go if more international content is desired. It will be difficult to invite a national team from the north for a tour due to the international window constraints, but perhaps inviting a top team from the URC, English Premiership, and/or the French Top 14 down for a tour could draw interest. They could play the 3 Australian State of Origins teams. Aligning the Rugby Championship with 6 Nations would open up our spring season to allow this.
I truely believe if Australia, New Zealand, and the island nations, could get their act together, the pacific could be the envy of the rugby world.
From green to gold: A pathways wish list for Australian rugby's young talent
I guess it comes down to the definition of quality. I would have thought a competition that is competitive and unpredictable which engages more viewers is more quality than the current produce which would have a higher standard of play than the said hypothetical competition. Regardless, the additional State of Origin concept I suggested would fit the quality criteria.
7s rugby in the schools, I feel, is a no brainer. If scheduled after the regular football season, it could engage a lot of the rugby league kids. It could be a great introduction to the 15s game.
From green to gold: A pathways wish list for Australian rugby's young talent
I guess I was thinking a concept could be sold to a broadcaster to achieve a revenue up lift. I guess RA and NZR would need to demonstrate the concept has legs first. This could be done without any additional teams initially.
I think the Rugby Championship being played at the beginning of the year really needs to be considered.
I wish RA could be a bit more entrepreneurial. An example of an opportunity that has not been exploded fully is 7s rugby. Other than the HSBC SVNS what other competitions are there. Australia could have a domestic version of the HSBC SVNS played across the spring and summer. Rugby’s answer to cricket’s big bash.
From green to gold: A pathways wish list for Australian rugby's young talent
At face value, I like your ideas for improving player pathways. As you noted, building strong development pathways is crucial, but equally important is providing a competitive and appealing professional league for those pathways to lead into. Currently, Australia has only four professional teams, which offers limited opportunities for emerging players.
To address this, both Australia and New Zealand need more teams. However, the current Super Rugby Pacific (SRP) format is not conducive to expansion, as players are restricted to representing teams within their own countries. This presents a challenge: New Zealand has an abundance of playing talent but lacks the population base to support more teams, whereas Australia has a larger population capable of supporting additional teams but comparatively less depth in player talent.
SRP’s low viewership reflects these structural issues, compounded by the lack of success from Australian teams and the predictability of the competition. A potential solution is expanding the number of teams, particularly in Australia, where the prospects of generating greater revenue and increasing rugby’s profile are stronger. To ensure competitiveness and unpredictability, players from New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands should be allowed to represent teams across national boundaries. This would strengthen the competition and help all nations build depth for their representative sides.
There’s no reason why a reconfigured competition couldn’t eventually rival the success of the NRL or AFL. Rugby also has an inherent advantage with its international representative competitions, which set it apart from domestic leagues like the NRL and AFL.
Additionally, rugby has the potential to create a spectacle akin to the NRL’s State of Origin. For Australia, this could involve teams like NSW, Queensland, and an Australian Barbarians side (comprising players ineligible for NSW or Queensland, or those who miss selection). New Zealand could establish a similar concept, and the Pacific Island nations could field national teams excluding overseas-based players.
This model would not only elevate the competitiveness of rugby but also deepen its connection with fans, creating a thriving, dynamic environment for the sport’s growth.
From green to gold: A pathways wish list for Australian rugby's young talent
I would think so
Ten fearless predictions for 2025: Schmidt departs, Aussies go deep in Super Rugby, Wallaroos' landmark year
Don’t go chasing waterfalls stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.
'There's always thoughts': Another young Rooster star weighs up NRL exit for Wallabies
Well RA better get cracking and make rugby a money maker in Australia. Please stop tinkering around the edges and make some astute decisions and real change.
'Wish him well': RA confident in depth despite losing World Cup Wallaby to France
I believe SRP should be morphed into 2 tiers of rugby competition. First, add 2 or 3 teams to the existing SRP teams. With a view for further expansion in future years. The team names will change from state and provenances, to cities or sections of cities. That is, NSW Waratahs would become Sydney or Eastern Suburbs.
This competition will run similar to the AFL and NRL. It also lends itself to representative games throughout the year. Australia could have State of Origin concept, including a Barbarians team to represent any Australian players not making the NSW or QLD teams. NZ will have something similar. This could be scheduled like the 6 nations is.
Ten fearless predictions for 2025: Schmidt departs, Aussies go deep in Super Rugby, Wallaroos' landmark year
I’m saying, they haven’t fixed the issues that has caused rugby’s decline in Australia. Without evolving the game it will not reach great heights.
Ten fearless predictions for 2025: Schmidt departs, Aussies go deep in Super Rugby, Wallaroos' landmark year
I can’t help but think the Australian sides reducing from 5 to 4 is just another sugar hit. RA can’t afford to maintain the player depth long term. Experienced Wallabies will leave. The resulting void will be filled by under 20s talent. However, there will not be enough places for everyone, and a lot of young talent will go overseas to play.
This will result in Australian sides struggling again in SRP. The public will lose interest rugby again. Basically Australian rugby will have reduced to 4 teams and the NRL would have increased to 20 teams.
Ten fearless predictions for 2025: Schmidt departs, Aussies go deep in Super Rugby, Wallaroos' landmark year
Indeed. He is so important to the resurgence of the Tahs.
I also hope Jack Bowen get plenty of game time. My fearless prediction is 2025 will be his breakout year.
Greatest moments, best games, top stars and biggest villains of 2024 - plus five fearless predictions for 2025
The win rate is an improvement. It is an improvement on other matrices as well.
I’m pretty sure 22% to 46% is approximately a 100% improvement.
Greatest moments, best games, top stars and biggest villains of 2024 - plus five fearless predictions for 2025
I think Tane Edmed will have a great year. However, I think it will take Noah Lolesio getting injured for Tane to get a start with the Wallabies. Schmidt will want continuity at 10.
Greatest moments, best games, top stars and biggest villains of 2024 - plus five fearless predictions for 2025
Pundits have pointed out how strong the Australian SRP teams are this year, and how great the next generation is looking. The really is, there will be a mass exodus of Wallabies, plus others, in 2026 and even then there won’t be any meaningful places in a SRP team for all the up and coming next generation.
SRP need more teams and have players play across borders, so all teams are competitive.
Tahs breakthrough hooker rejects two-year deal to join UK club
The Tahs have a very good platform to work from. To say the least, we should expect a large improvement.
I hope they at least have a winning season and play entertaining rugby. The Tahs, and the other clubs, need to get more bums on seats.
Waratahs Pressure Points: Slate wiped clean after years of rot, but for McKellar’s men it’s a long way to the top
Australian players must feature in the 2nd 11.
'Bazbulls--t': Cricket bible slammed as Test team of the year features zero Aussies, FIVE Poms