i've been trying to think of some more unique ways of dealing with our pro teams/SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific)/cohesion/wage costs/attractive tv product etc....
Now i'm walking into some murky areas here so no blowing up at me. this whole topic is full of landmines and emotions.
so Aus should only have two teams in SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific). its the concentration of talent we need to build successful Super Rugby teams that can re-energise the two key rugby markets. and it means more of our test players are spending far more time playing together. the pay for players in these teams will be a separate "pay grade" to the next level down. this can assist with managing wages. The teams are Reds and Tahs. These two teams will be largely overseen by Rugby Australia for high performance matters - S&C, coaching appointments etc.
Next step down - SRAu if you want to call it that - teams are QLD, NSW, Brumbies, Rebels, Force. and maybe a sixth from somewhere if it makes sense. pro contracts at a lower pay grade. but still enough jobs to keep our talent in the country. of course they wont be paid like OS but it will mean there's a clear separation between remuneration at this level and the very elite international teams in SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific) and the Wallabies. These teams will have strong support from Rugby Australia for high performance matters, but will be largely run by the state bodies. as will the U16 and U19 Super Rugby teams. these comps are all clearly development comps with the top level teams still having a level of prestige in winning an Australian GF. But its undoubtedly about building a player for the two international levels of the game. This comp can also be the right size for its market. smaller stadiums if need be etc... more community based than big stadium sheep stations stuff.
I dont think we can have success in SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) (Super Rugby Pacific) with 5 teams. but neither do i think we can cut pro rugby jobs. this is an attempt at navigating that.
Timing of the SRAu, U19, and U16 can then be decided. but SRAu should be during the traditional "footy season" - and you'd hope it would get a decent amount of eyeballs on it.