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We have too many layers in the middle though which increases complexity. I think that it's quite apparent that the game of rugby in Australia isn't big enough to support Super Rugby and NRC and possibly it never was. The solution is to have one layer in the middle which supports the Wallabies and is...

I think it's more likely than not that more than one in the top ten will take an overseas contract as the money in Australia dries up. In fact it's more likely to be most of the top 30.

If Super Rugby doesn't continue in its pan-continental form or it continues and Australia isn't part of it, then SA and NZ would need to renegotiate their respective broadcast deals. SARU and NZRU aren't in the same position as RA though - no AFL in either and league is virtually non-existant in SA and...

Players such as the three mentioned have been taking contracts at French and British clubs for many years. For some it's a chance to earn good money towards the end of a career, for others it's done because they are having trouble breaking into the extended Wallabies squad and go for the money...

Agree 100%. This type of process wouldn't be that hard to structure and implement. The problem being that's this type of process is in everyone's interest except those currently holding positions on RA, NSWRU, QRU et al, as it would involve them losing their virtual monopoly on power. As my...

Leaving aside for a moment the ethical question of leaking confidential correspondence to the media. Perhaps this highlights the fact that achieving change or even representation at RA board level through constitutional means is almost impossible since the current board effectively nominate...

^^^Are you saying that Fox pay effectively pay FFA for non exclusive rights and FFA are free to then sell the product to anyone who is willing to pay for it? But that the quantum of money that Fox pay for the rights is reduced by 50% Forgive me if I have misunderstood, just need it in simple...

TV rights aren't the bonanza for sports that they used to be. If the NRL is getting $30 million less a year then I'd hate to think what rugby would be worth now.

Not a surprise really, he's close the end of his career and is still able to command a reasonable salary in pro rugby. He won't be the last of the top tier of Wallaby players to move offshore. Regardless of competition format wages will drop for rugby players in Australia and I'd expect most...

^^^Logical decision based on the increasing thickness of the pads.

In France they'd pay 19.2% more for restaurants/takeaway 27.4% more for groceries 29.1% more for transport * 25.5% more for clothing But 21.4% less for housing and 20.3% less for childcare. Housing would be a big saving, but I'm not so sure many would need childcare. *(probably more than...

I think that this will be closer to what will happen. I completely agree that there's no realistic or logical way that overseas based competitions either could or would be able to find spots for 100-120 Australian players. The top 40, or most of them will go, but it's highly doubtful whether...

No, he's been back here;)

It's worth remembering that Kurtley Beale came back from a stint in NH with an improved game.

Yet, despite all of this and years of being coached in the elite Australian rugby system he couldn't kick a ball to save his life. An he was playing fullback,a position where the ability to kick out of trouble has been seen as a necessary skill ever since the game began.

The question remains, what criteria is he using to measure success? Let's put NZ aside for the purpose of the discussion. Producing quality players for the Wallabies at a level to compete on the world stage?

I think they are going to go anyway. It's difficult to see any way RA will be able to pay them anything like what they can earn in those places.

What criteria are you using?

The top tier of players already have RA permission to take up contracts elsewhere to supplement their income. As WOB points out re journeymen NZ super players, where are the mid to bottom level or talent going to go? I don't think European clubs are going to rush to sign players who are at...

Great analysis RH. We all know that it suits supporters of the status quo and the pan-continental model to make doomsday prophecies. Of course currently RA has no broadcast agreement and thus severely reduced income for the short term regardless of what model is followed. We know that Super Rugby...