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Yeah, that's all fair enough... I suppose I think that in the same way as one game does not a season make, four successful years on the paddock does not a sustainable State body make. We'll see over the next five to fifteen years whether the policies and structures put in place are sustainable...

This really is a nothing approach though isn't it? The fees will still be paid, it will just be administered by the clubs?

The success of the Reds played a large part in the improved bottom line (a couple of home finals will do that). The success of the Reds and the changing nature of membership - where there are a numerous membership options, bundled membership with ticket options, counting people participating...

Couldn't agree more. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would imagine so. Cheika just had Trent Whatshisname from the Roosters on the Wallaby tour. This sort of thing happens all the time in professional sport from a team perspective, and I would think it happens both within Australia and internationally... It'd be nice if the people engaged in...

Yeah, I agree partly - the problem is the cupboard is bare in terms of being able to establish the interest in the game. I think Australia and New Zealand could support a competition that was basically a blend of the NRC and ITM Cup. Doesn't need to replace Super Rugby - in fact it should...

The only way to have Super Rugby match the European model is for bigger audiences, and the only way to get bigger audiences is through FTA TV, and FTA TV requires prime time content which demands a competition that has a smaller geographic footprint than the current competition. In Queensland...

The problem is there isn't a financially viable Professional union in Australia. For the game to survive, private equity is required and it will demand Super Rugby becomes the product for consumers and tests play second fiddle - the same model as Europe. It's already happening with players like...

Magnat is outstanding. Definitely not a forward. He was the stand out in the Qld Country v Sydney Stars game in Townsville - he was 17 at the time Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I haven't followed the squad closely since the announcements of JOC (James O'Connor) and Hunt. Really exciting looking group - tend to think the mid field will be the making or breaking of the team, as well as the performance of the reserve props. Other than that, really good options across the paddock. Thompson...

I think this is probably the most interesting part of the professional game. You are right inasmuch as the Super Rugby level has a really tremendous product, but because of the geographic area covered by the comp, and the limited market share of the game, SANZAR is beholden to SA interests. SA...

I recognised the sarcasm in your previous post, and I didn't mean to sound narcy, it's just such a serious issue to me that I wanted to reinforce a couple of those points. The sad thing is we keep seeming to go over the same ground but the message isn't going to the decision makers. I'm hopeful...

Fair enough, you might be being facetious, but it's true that most clubs in Australia are run by volunteers who can require advice on these things - code of conduct issues, insurance, etc. And I think a national system of administration such as MyRugby is really important, and as technology...

Probably gone a long way off topic, but wanted to point out two things. I don't think anyone blames RL for the position RU is in, it's just a fact that it's the game with the biggest fan base in NSW and QLD, and that's unlikely to change. League and AFL are the biggest competition for players...

South Africa is definitely interesting. They are losing a lot more players to Europe now, so it will be interesting to see if there is a significant impact from that in the medium term on their domestic comp. France and England have great domestic competitions, but there is huge money invested...

I can't like this comment enough. The only thing that should probably be said is that size shouldn't be a huge influence on club funding - in fact I don't think clubs should receive any funding. The only funding the ARU and states need to do for community rugby is having assets employed to...

The difference seems to be that the lower tiers are better resourced. I agree completely that the competition from other codes has a significant impact on the availability of the level of competition required to develop the finest players, and the staff and finances to assist in delivering this...

IIRC, crowds and viewing figures have been down across the whole Super Rugby competition. Might be an economic issue. I think the whole Super Rugby concept could do with a revamp to make it more geographically compact.

I'm not sure that I see this as a problem. One of the great things about NZ rugby (and Europe) is that the game is so decentralised. You can live in Invercargill and represent the All Blacks. The same can't be said of Tamworth, Rockhampton, Wagga Wagga or Bendigo. If all the teams are working...