WLF3
Billy Sheehan (19)
Relax DA, Couldn't help myself!Yeah apologies there WLF3 - I'm tarring you both with the same brush and that's not fair. My interactions with the CAS stretch all the way back to when I was at school in the aftermath of us (St. Pats) being in the CAS and then being kicked out of the CAS with no clear reason as to why so my automatic reaction to things like this is to aim for the nuts first! I should move on I always assume that when it comes to us, it's an ISA vs GPS/CAS thing but in reality it is probably not so. I always find it humorous when I hear GPS folk refer to the CAS as "the great unwashed!" when there is so little difference between each of these schools.
From what Ive read over in the CAS forum there seems to be a spirit of co-operation within the CAS to work collaboratively with everyone and this is obviously to be encouraged. And you're dead right though - the ring fencing that goes on with GPS is always a worry to me. I shouldn't be, but I tend to think cynically when I see things like this (GPS acting unilaterally) and automatically assume that it is for brand protection and nothing else.
Interesting times ahead WLF3 and I suspect your closer to the CAS coal face than others within this forum. Would be very keen to hear how your CAS school responds to this and the association as a whole.
BTW the 6 schools currently in the CAS have always been them same since 1943, no other school has ever been a member.
Remember these associations cover more than just Rugby, eg Athletics, swimming, cricket etc.
Now here is some info you WILL find very interesting, which will hopefully alleviate some of that long held fury, or misconception, about St.Pats not being allowed into the CAS, and trust me, it is spot on.
I am very close to my school, coaches etc, and a particular Brother, who has long retired but is the school Icon and coached myself and many others in the 1sts XV for many years, so his knowledge of such schoolboy history is beyond comparison, and fascinating to hear. He also coached and managed many rep schoolboy teams over the years, including the NSW and Aussie schoolboys. Did the same in Cricket!
Now, back to the CAS entry issue. The story goes that the vote to let St.Pats into the CAS had to be unanimous, it almost was except for 1 of the 2 Catholic schools in the 6 CAS school association who voted no, and it wasn't Waverley. There you have it!
Ironically enough, things have changed dramatically in the CAS rugby world since then and now there is a big ability division between the schools, which you are well aware of. I am sure you will find that many discussions take place before next season between the CAS and ISA schools to play more against each other.
Now I am keen to get your take, and other ISA colleagues, eg Hankspank etc, on who should play against the CAS schools.
Clearly you will need to separate the stronger ISA schools and the weaker schools and match them up likewise V the CAS schools of similar caliber.
I am not sure if a tiered system, between these 2 associations, would work here given the relative number of schools of similar ability, my view is that a comp must contain a minimum of at least 8-10 schools of similar ability, generally speaking. So the GPS IMO is a must to form 2 tiers of say approx 10 teams across all 3 associations.
Let it rip!