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I don't understand why anyone would currently be calling for Gleeson > Valetini is a bit mad IMO. But also think Valetini is not on the level of Bell, Tupou or Skelton who are our best forwards (when fit). He looks very different in Brumby colours to when wearing Gold. I do think he is a good...

two blues

What were your thoughts on Austin Durbridge (no 6). Clearly one they've earmarked for the future. From what I've seen he can resemble a young M Hooper a little when he's got his headgear on, strong over the ball and big work ethic. Early days though.

I mean I agree with everything you say. But would characterise what you've written as a description of the problem - Indigenous kids don't see a pathway for them in Union, don't see themselves represented in our player stocks and so don't engage with the game. Its incumbent on Rugby to create...

Probably should have clarified that the shameful part was the lack of Indigenous representation at the top level in Rugby Union. Its simply astonishing, especially compared to the other major codes.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-23/rugby-australia-called-on-to-do-more-for-first-nations-players/103095212 Good article, discusses an aspect of our game the administrators across the board should be genuinely ashamed of IMO. I had a grim chuckle at this part: "Waratahs head of talent...

The other alternative is that those with actual power over the system (in particular, NSWRU, QRU and ACT Rugby) could stop hiding behind the line they are "protecting the community game" which they are not. They could cede control over the game voluntarily as they control the governance...

yep. super rugby is a dead brand in the eyes of the general public. all well and good a few forum members with positive memories saying if we just keep tweaking it she'll be right. the answer to super rugby being the dogs bollocks is not more super rugby. it's a new competition with fresh...

Negotiations seem to be next year, journo chat seems to phrase them as fairly imminent. On balance I think he should have gone because I think your right he was a roadblock, and from a personal perspective I am happy to not have to hear from him anymore. I just think it changes none of the...

Maybe, but the upper echelons of the business world are full of personality types quite similar to the Hammers - move fast, break things, i'm the smartest guy in the room, fuck off if you dare question me. I suspect many of them were undisturbed my his more egotistical tendencies.

Agreed. I also question whether it was the most sensible thing to axe the bloke right before the issue of TV rights comes up - an area of business he knew well, had umpteen contacts in and had proven competency (at least relative to the rest of rugby in the country) by securing a good...

The price of a bus from Canberra or return flights to Melbourne/Perth is surely not so significant so as to be entirely prohibitive to the running of the competition altogether. Presumably in the QLD/NSW comps teams are still flying Sydney-Brisbane as well. I think you are slightly overstating...

?? He obviously can learn that was the whole point of my comment. I just think he'll have a much better chance of learning in France exposed to better coaching, better players and more games. It's a negative for Super Rugby but a potential positive for the Wallabies if he sorts out his...

From a Wallabies perspective was doing the heavy lifting on my comment. Its obviously an issue for depth and Super, no doubt about it. I don't care about him being a thug, but I think he is a liability not yet good enough to justify the risk. FWIW I have been a heavy advocate of abandoning...

There have been an awful lot of models suggested today, its a bit hard to keep track of. Most of the discussion stems from Herbert saying a third-tier competition will be linked to club competition (something Waugh has previously implied). There is not much more information than that other than...

If you are interested in expanding the role of established clubs in the game, I believe there are two options: 1. A national knockout competition with multiple rounds after the Super season including non-Wallabies (sort of like an FA cup but for Aus Club Rugby). Would be good to watch but not...

Bordeaux. On a personal note, good for him. Wonderful opportunity for his career and exposure to new high-level competition + a juicy salary. Hope it goes well and we can end up benefiting from it in some way.

Not too concerned from a Wallabies perspective. Only insofar as until he sorts out his discipline, I don't think we should pick him. If he does sort it out in France, I think he has a strong enough skillset to justify being an overseas exception pick, especially given slots used on older talent...

Presumably would be a bit easier to do if NSW Rugby is substantially incorporated with RA.

If you want to connect club land to pro land through a national competition, either go all in or not at all. Picking a small handful of clubs from Sydney and Brisbane, maybe 1-2 from VIC/WA/ACT (if at all) is a great way to go about isolating certain elements of the community by applying...