Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
That assumes the general public is even going to care about a second tier tournament in the first place. Theres nothing wrong at all with the idea of entertainment before the game and half time but people are going to Rugby to watch Rugby. Moving away from that to BBL level (not taking itself seriously) pretty much erodes the point of going in the first place.
The rugby tragics will go to the rugby to watch the rugby, we need to attract new followers, not just provide another game for the rusted on supporters.
Cricket Australia published some data in the last week and the majority of people at BBL matches it was their first time paying to watch cricket. After years of trying to ignore 20/20 cricket, I was dragged along by the kids this year and actually enjoyed the experience. I think we went to all of the 6ers home games. The point that I took out of it was that I was surrounded by families out having fun.
You might just be surprised at what people will take the family to if it is marketed and promoted properly. Unfortunately, rugby has a history of failure in this regard - let's hope we get it right this time.
If we're going to promote rugby as some sort of super-serious event, for the higher intellects, where people are going to be content to be bored out of their brains for a couple and any frivolity is going to be met by disapproving looks - then we've lost the battle before we've even started.