Australian Rugby / RA

[KOB1987]

I agree but don't think we're going to have a lot of choice. Without the Bokke and the AB's it really cuts down the amount of test footy opponents in our region.

There will still be a bledisloe I assume? Unless the NZRU decide to make it biannual…..

 

[PhilClinton]

America is not a bad option for a test/tour if you can convince them to do most of the hosting on west coast and then look to book twilight fixtures

east coast afternoon kicks off between Australia vs Eagles is not favourable Timezone but those RL fixtures in Las Vegas were in a prime time slot for Sunday afternoon footy

Is the MLR still made up of mostly Saffas and Aussies?

I think the first logical step would be one of the Super Rugby teams arranging a tour over there and potentially playing against a team of MLR contracted Aussie’s and another against the South African/NZ contingent or something like that.

Would be a good chance to see firsthand some of the club quality players who have been playing in a professional setup for a few years and potentially able to come back home to add depth to a squad.

 

[Omar Comin']

Problem with Fiji in the RC window is that they typically don't have their European based players (see this year's PNC (Pacific Nations Cup) - it's essentially the Drua).

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Is the MLR still made up of mostly Saffas and Aussies?

I think the first logical step would be one of the Super Rugby teams arranging a tour over there and potentially playing against a team of MLR contracted Aussie’s and another against the South African/NZ contingent or something like that.

Would be a good chance to see firsthand some of the club quality players who have been playing in a professional setup for a few years and potentially able to come back home to add depth to a squad.

Plenty of NZ players as well. There's also an increasing number of Argentines, Chileans and Uruguayans popping up.

 

[LevitatingSocks]

Plenty of NZ players as well. There's also an increasing number of Argentines, Chileans and Uruguayans popping up.

Maybe that's our potential solution to not having an NRC?

Shipping our players that are borderline talented enough to make a Super Rugby roster over to the MLR?

Could also integrate more closely with New Zealand's NPC as a closer and better alternative?

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Maybe that's our potential solution to not having an NRC?

Shipping our players that are borderline talented enough to make a Super Rugby roster over to the MLR?

Could also integrate more closely with New Zealand's NPC as a closer and better alternative?

Made the suggestion before. Look to send some of the younger talented blokes (like Zach Fittler who the game is chasing for example) that we are chasing to the likes of the MLR which is around the same level as the NPC these days for the first half of the year at the very least. Potentially to the NPC if workable.

 

[WoodysRFC]

There will still be a bledisloe I assume? Unless the NZRU decide to make it biannual…..

From what I've seen, it'll be three Bledisloes a year, and at least one fixture with SA for the Mandela Plate, so there's four fixtures there. I note there'll be no RC in 2028, so is that a possibility for Aus to tour SA, seems to be implied that Aus are part of the discussions for tours?

 

[JRugby2]

From what I've seen, it'll be three Bledisloes a year, and at least one fixture with SA for the Mandela Plate, so there's four fixtures there. I note there'll be no RC in 2028, so is that a possibility for Aus to tour SA, seems to be implied that Aus are part of the discussions for tours?

Unless there is some revenue share arrangement us touring RSA (or anywhere overseas for that matter) doesn't do a lot for us. Great fun for the players no doubt but it's outside of our timezone and we can't sell tickets.

 

[Strewthcobber]

From what I've seen, it'll be three Bledisloes a year, and at least one fixture with SA for the Mandela Plate, so there's four fixtures there. I note there'll be no RC in 2028, so is that a possibility for Aus to tour SA, seems to be implied that Aus are part of the discussions for tours?

The announced dates don't quite work, but I wonder if the 2028 gap leaves room for the proposed club world cup?

https://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/39905136/rugby-club-world-cup-set-launched-2028-sources

 

[Omar Comin']

Problem with Fiji in the RC window is that they typically don't have their European based players (see this year's PNC (Pacific Nations Cup) (Pacific Nations Cup) - it's essentially the Drua).

Expanding on this further, is there a risk that with the Rugby Championship not played during the SA/NZ tour years that Argentina prioritise the Nations Championship, and allow their star players to stay with their clubs during August/September instead of playing some kind of series against us?

 

[Wilson]

John Jeffrey has pulled out of the race for world rugby chairman after the SRU refused to back him:

John Jeffrey ends World Rugby chairman bid over lack of backing - BBC Sport

Scotland legend John Jeffrey ends his bid to become chairman of World Rugby as the former flanker fails to win the support of his own union.

www.bbc.com

This looks like a big boost to Brett Robinson's chances.

 

[Derpus]

The SRU seem almost as dysfunctional as us.

 

[Goosestep]

Problem with Fiji in the RC window is that they typically don't have their European based players (see this year's PNC (Pacific Nations Cup) (Pacific Nations Cup) - it's essentially the Drua).

The fact so many Fijians are playing in Europe instead of Australia is the real issue

 

[Omar Comin']

The fact so many Fijians are playing in Europe instead of Australia is the real issue

Agreed, ideally most of the top pacific islander players would be playing here in an NRL type comp (either Australian only domestic competition, or Super Rugby evolving into this). But it would require significant $$ and change in strategy.

 

[JRugby2]

Problem with Fiji in the RC window is that they typically don't have their European based players (see this year's PNC (Pacific Nations Cup) (Pacific Nations Cup) - it's essentially the Drua).

They do - RC is covered under Reg 9 - but it's been reported that players are either pressured ("if you go - we won't offer you another contract") or feel like they owe their club loyalty.

 

[Braveheart81]

They do - RC is covered under Reg 9 - but it's been reported that players are either pressured ("if you go - we won't offer you another contract") or feel like they owe their club loyalty.

I think it's also the fact that they don't really get paid much to play for their country, have to fly back and forth across the world at their own cost and lose out on their lucrative club salary in the meantime.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

They do - RC is covered under Reg 9 - but it's been reported that players are either pressured ("if you go - we won't offer you another contract") or feel like they owe their club loyalty.

I think it's also the fact that they don't really get paid much to play for their country, have to fly back and forth across the world at their own cost and lose out on their lucrative club salary in the meantime.

Of course they get pressured to not play.

You only had to see the interactions between Kolisi and Racing 92 recently to see that and he's the Captain of the World Champions.

Hard to blame these guys if they chose to stay at the Club. The money is life changing for more than just them and their immediate family.

 

[Strewthcobber]

They do - RC is covered under Reg 9 - but it's been reported that players are either pressured ("if you go - we won't offer you another contract") or feel like they owe their club loyalty.

It's simpler than that.

The French clubs don't pay their salary for the period that they go on international duty.

With Australian match payments offering some kind compensation, it makes some kind of sense to think about playing. For the Fijians it's just money lost.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

Of course they get pressured to not play.

You only had to see the interactions between Kolisi and Racing 92 recently to see that and he's the Captain of the World Champions.

Hard to blame these guys if they chose to stay at the Club. The money is life changing for more than just them and their immediate family.

Which is why Brett Robinson should be running on a mandate of profit share and minimum game requirements for Tier 1 against Tier 2.

 

[Crashy]

Charlotte Caslick confirms having a crack in 15s next year…