Do you think it’s to late now to change it Cruncher or is that our destiny to play 2nd Fidel to the other brand of rugby?
The last decade has defiantly seen Union stamp it’s dominance in regards to the rugby environment. They’ve had three successful RU world cups starting with the one In SA and those images of Mandela with the white SA captain holding the trophy and it’s really kicked on from there hasn’t it. A good domestic, European and International game has seen their revenues sky rocket from an ‘armature’ game to arguably the 2nd European professional sport behind Football. There are true RU celebrities now like Cipriani, Wilkinson, Carter, Lomu, Johnson & O’Driscoll.
So what can we do to compete and survive? I certainly don’t think we are going down the right road of;
A-Shunning the ex players who have played the game. The likes of Robinson, Hanley, Edwards, Larder, Mcginty, Lydon & Ford have all gone over 2 the other side as we wouldn’t offer them the opportunities that RU have. Why weren’t these players offered the types of roles as back coach, defense coach at SL clubs over the likes of Endacott, Milward, Raper, T Smith, Murray, Anderson, Potter etc? The more people we have in the game who love the game and want to see it be a success the better IMO.
B-Not producing our own GB talent instead of the quick fix 2nd rate Aussies. Wigan have been just as much to blame as the rest on this but all SL clubs have also done it. If we don’t produce GB talent GB won’t win anything at international the level. International rugby should be the major revenue generator for any sport with spectacles like World cups or European tournaments. I honestly think if an international team is doing well people will tune into to watch them. Look at the Olympics for a perfect example. How many people tuned in to watch them even tho they don’t really like Athletics? How many people watch a the RU world cup final or Murray at Wimbeldon?
3-The SC is also a major problem as it’s dulled the skill level imo. Yes it’s a fairer comp but is it as skill full as it could be or is a breeding ground for future internationals? The SC has done two things it’s brought Wigan down and it’s also gave the smaller clubs a free reign not to develop. We need a system in place like a 50% revenue cap with bits adding in allowing young GB players to be exemempt from it as it’s only going to help RL in the long run if Clubs try to increase revenue and produce more GB eligible players.
Sorry for the long post BTW
The last decade has defiantly seen Union stamp it’s dominance in regards to the rugby environment. They’ve had three successful RU world cups starting with the one In SA and those images of Mandela with the white SA captain holding the trophy and it’s really kicked on from there hasn’t it. A good domestic, European and International game has seen their revenues sky rocket from an ‘armature’ game to arguably the 2nd European professional sport behind Football. There are true RU celebrities now like Cipriani, Wilkinson, Carter, Lomu, Johnson & O’Driscoll.
So what can we do to compete and survive? I certainly don’t think we are going down the right road of;
A-Shunning the ex players who have played the game. The likes of Robinson, Hanley, Edwards, Larder, Mcginty, Lydon & Ford have all gone over 2 the other side as we wouldn’t offer them the opportunities that RU have. Why weren’t these players offered the types of roles as back coach, defense coach at SL clubs over the likes of Endacott, Milward, Raper, T Smith, Murray, Anderson, Potter etc? The more people we have in the game who love the game and want to see it be a success the better IMO.
B-Not producing our own GB talent instead of the quick fix 2nd rate Aussies. Wigan have been just as much to blame as the rest on this but all SL clubs have also done it. If we don’t produce GB talent GB won’t win anything at international the level. International rugby should be the major revenue generator for any sport with spectacles like World cups or European tournaments. I honestly think if an international team is doing well people will tune into to watch them. Look at the Olympics for a perfect example. How many people tuned in to watch them even tho they don’t really like Athletics? How many people watch a the RU world cup final or Murray at Wimbeldon?
3-The SC is also a major problem as it’s dulled the skill level imo. Yes it’s a fairer comp but is it as skill full as it could be or is a breeding ground for future internationals? The SC has done two things it’s brought Wigan down and it’s also gave the smaller clubs a free reign not to develop. We need a system in place like a 50% revenue cap with bits adding in allowing young GB players to be exemempt from it as it’s only going to help RL in the long run if Clubs try to increase revenue and produce more GB eligible players.
Sorry for the long post BTW
