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Given Aus A has (understandably) become more of a developmental proving ground than a genuine 'next best' XV, I'm not sure we'll see O'Connor take the spot of one of the younger guys.

Does someone need to check in on @Dismal Pillock?

On top of that, covering relocation expenses would probably be required. If the number of picks isn't capped (at a low number), it could become an expensive exercise pretty quickly, particularly for teams like the Force, Rebels, and Brumbies who have weaker/fewer numbers in local pathways - not...

Even if it's opt-in, you'd think that there would have to be an element of privacy to it? No employer would really like a current employee openly expressing their interest to leave - which is probably exaggerated in an environment that's relies heavily on camaraderie and commitment to the team...

Yeah, I did mean to make this concession - ultimately eyeballs are eyeballs. Many existing rugby fans are pretty fickle anyway.

Absolutely Reg, but I'd argue that following a team/sport because of an affinity to one or more individuals is showing a genuine interest in that sport, rather than just being interested in the outcome of game because there's a chance to make a quick buck.

Yeah big fan of Azuolas Tubelis' work at the 2019 U19 World Cup

Are they a fan if they only watch a sport only because they have a (metaphorical or literal) horse in the race? There's a good chance there's no actual interest in the game, over and above an outcome. Would you call the tens-of-thousands of people getting on the piss and slapping some money...

and preferably not selling our soul to the bookies

Koro and Hodge are there too

Yep, you're right - got my count wrong. Have updated it. Yeah, that period was interesting - from a general 'hype' point of view, it really felt like rugby was back on the map in the eye of the general public too. Understandable that it would go hand in hand with success

An interesting stat I stumbled across - out of 50 possible grand final appearances (i.e. 25 finals (excl. covid) x 2 teams), NZ teams have appeared 28 times, SA 11, Aus 10, and Arg 1. Of those 10 Aus appearances, 6 came prior to the addition of the Force, with a 7th before the Rebels.

Presumably - he's been stood down, so can't imagine he is able to take part in any form

Creighton and O'Connor aside, Lucas would presumably be playing second fiddle to Lynagh at 10, and 15 would be hotly contested with Campbell and Petaia (and Grealy and maybe even Flook). I'm not sure that's an inviting prospect.

Nela and Petaia, but obviously they don't need the rest edit: I guess Nela's a Rebel now :'(

Slow I’ll take, but his defence has been damn solid at 12

Pilecki Medallist: Harry Wilson Rookie of the Year: Tom Lynagh Spirit of the Reds Award: Matt Faessler hard to argue with those picks

I know numbers would have declined anyway, but moving rugby to Term 3 really backfired - a bit unlucky that it coincided with the growth of basketball's popularity, but I don't think that was unforeseeable at the time. I was coaching junior grades at BGS over the period which included that...

Quade recently did a Q&A on Instagram and touched on that period - essentially, he understandably thought it was BS at the time, but in hindsight it was exactly what he needed to rediscover his passion for the game and change his mindset towards both life and rugby. Ultimately, without that...