Newington now have an Aussie Rules team in year 9, but from what I have heard the standard of play is absolutely dreadful. They played another school and the score was 8-5, from that score clearly nobody is kicking the 6 pointers. Apparently, the introduction was due to Head School being a Mexican and an Aussie Rules fan. Not the school being enticed by AFL marketing.
The issue regarding Rugby Numbers from talking to New people is leadership, effort, organisation, determination, and a vision that involves a love of the game. If the game is not growing or declining, maybe a number of our Directors of Rugby at certain schools need new jobs elsewhere. Don't blame Multi-Culturalism and its subsequent support and association with soccer. Its leadership within the school.
Newington was confronted by poor leadership, a rich multi-cultural environment and the growth of soccer.That existed for 15 years with two unpopular Headmasters. But more recently the College has now started to turn it around. Due to an Excellent Headmaster, great leaders/coaches and organisers in Rugby. Tours, Rugby Camps, Coaches and professional team preparation are examples of how to grow the game.
Rugby is growing at Newington, which is against the current trend in most schools. We now have 7 teams in the U/13s and they are high quality teams from what I seem. Soccer in the 13s have 8 teams. But Rugby with its seven teams now has more numbers of boys as players in the 13s than soccer. Equally, in the opens we now have 7 teams and reserves for an 8th XV. Yet only two years ago the U/16s fielded just two teams.Had that trend continued we most likely be fielding 4 or 5 teams in the opens this year. I am sure the College will have setbacks, such as the U/15s D side is struggling to get players. But else where the playing numbers are solid.
So if Newington can do it, so can other Schools. Who knows Grammar with its new headmaster might find a new direction in sport, that involves Rugby. For me ten years ago I had lost all hope of New ever getting another premiership beyond the seven we had then. Four premierships later and a top team this year, future of Rugby at Newington College looks stronger and brighter, than ever it has been for many years.