Lets look at The Players.
During my career playing at the elite level I was fortunate to have played 7 years as an amateur and 5 years as a professional, I can honestly say that the most enjoyable years were prior to 1996 (professionalism). I had to hold down a job whilst striving to compete at the highest level, having to mix both playing and working was a challenge however put me in good stead for my future career after Rugby. I know modern rugby players are encouraged to participate in studies to prepare them for post pro sport I only hope they make the most of that opportunity.
What has occurred since '96 is that players seem to care more of their own well being more so than for the game itself. This attitude is driving rugby at the grass roots level to the wall. I applaud Robbie Deans initiative to send the Wallabies back to club football when not competing on the international level however it is the demands of the players many who are earning in excess of $250K/annum who are squeezing an extra $6 to $20K out of clubs. I believe this money should be used to prop up our next tier of players, clubs are in a catch 22. Contracted Super and International players attract new recruits to clubs however it comes at a financial cost which could be used to progress the club as a whole. It will be a brave administrator who is willing to make the decision and put the emphasis on the club spirit prevailing over cameo performances of the international players appearing around finals time.
The Unions
The ARU blew a tremendous opportunity to build a middle tier level of rugby between club and Super rugby. Two seasons ago the ARU introduced a National competition which lasted one season, it was a concept which the code needs if we are to stave off the other winter codes all of which appear to be swelling their numbers at all levels, I would suggest at rugby peril. It was well publicised the funds were poorly administered and with the correct administration the competition has tremendous merit if we are going to continue to be a dominant code.
The Supporters
Since the introduction of professional rugby in 1996 I believe it has been the supporters who have been dealt the worst hand not only through inflated ticket prices at the gate but even more frustrating is the lack of exposure to the professional game. With the introduction of professionalism came the introduction of 'user pays'.
I was a player in the formative years of professionalism and whilst I loved the fact that I was about to be payed for what I had been doing for the best part of 28 years for free, I was naive to the what it would actually mean to the average punter. As a result of the introduction of money into our game, free to air coverage of non test rugby has vanished from our TV with the exception of club rugby at 3pm on a Saturday thanks to the ABC, this has been on going for decades, I love it, however, due to time slot it has a limited market. The uptake of pay TV in Australia is approximately 30% of households as a result exposure to the top level of rugby is limited, this makes it very difficult to know the form and personalities of the team you follow let alone the opposition players and playing style. As a result of these factors it makes it difficult to bring new supporters to our game let alone keep the ones we have. I believe the ARU needs to address this if it is to retain a place as a power sports in the Australian winter.
Rugby in Australia will get a tremendous boost again next year with the coming of the World Cup however it is the years between this event which we need to increase our exposure to the masses otherwise we will find ourselves a second tier sport in the not too distant future and at that point the spoils will not be there to be enjoyed by anyone.
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