On Tuesday night, the rugby community collectively had a “What the….” moment when we read the words “Pocock to take 2017 off to study”.
We are used to hearing the usual rumours and speculation around contracts but this time it was different. Subconsciously we knew “it” existed but I don’t think any of us were ready for “it” to be a reality. Especially not if it involved David Pocock.
So now we wait for the official announcement from Pocock, Pulver and yet to be named Godfather, that after many hours of hard labour, and an awkward birth, they welcome in to the world… a Sabbatical.
I congratulate the ARU for being willing to move heaven and earth and show him the money; deservedly so. The part I like the most is that finally a player from within Union is getting the big bucks! Finally, we have proof that you can be a superstar without needing to code hop or come from the outside.
But what does it mean and why does it scare us a little? We thought we were prepared? Remember, we have talked about this. We read that over the ditch Carter had one, McCaw had one: and it’s wasn’t a big deal right?
The reality is this is new for the ARU. The NZRU have had sabbaticals for quite some time. The ARU and NZRU contract and manage players differently so this is new ground for the ARU.
Hypothetically it seems straight forward. But is it?
From what I understand you could only get an ARU contract if you had signed with an Australian franchise. Does this mean he has to sign with team for 2017? Do they need to pay him and is he part of their playing list? Does it have salary cap implications?
So where does this leave the Brumbies? We have seen the reporting and some comments and opinions about Brumbies CEO seemingly playing hardball.
Well if you put on your CEO hat, it raises some interesting questions. Are the ARU swooping in with all care but no responsibility?
Here’s the double edged sword; you need the ARU and their money to lock up a deal, but are they thinking about your salary cap, your player list, going without a player for a year or how it may affect your franchise?
As a franchise CEO you need to be asking the questions and need to be thinking about the practical realities of player management like scheduling his return, will he maintain fitness, will he be game ready or is 2018 going to an easing back-in season, what cover do we need?
So as the Brumbie’s CEO right now you are in a tricky position. You want to keep Pocock, you need Pulver’s help, but you need to protect your franchise; there are many questions to be asked and answered. It’s a bit like a head versus heart situation; you want Pocock, but its franchise and team first.
From a supporter’s point of view we can sit back and hope for that we get to see Pocock’s prowess live in Super Rugby over the next few years and be reassured that he is committed to the 2019 RWC. But in the back of our minds we also question if this is right? Are we hedging our bets a long way out from the RWC?
Pocock is influential on field and world class, but remember less than two years ago this whole conversation was hypothetical as we questioned if he would make it back.
Another question that has yet to be raised, and will only be raised by the brave is if this really is a sabbatical or an opportunistic move by a player with power that may in time come to haunt the ARU and set an unwanted precedent?
Or, if this admirable individual is genuine, what about the next applicant?
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