B&W,
I agree with your comments about Shore, leaving is the last thing that the GPS needs!
Careful about your comments about the CAS comp, there are a few other schools as strong as Knox, they are not "wasted" in the CAS comp.
What may need to happen is a tier 1 and tier 2 comp, between the existing GPS and CAS schools, with a relegation system, just a thought!
Although I believe the REAL issue here is growth of the other sports and lack of junior support by the ARU, and that has been flogged to death by this forum, and still NO head way made or offered by the ARU, as we all now they would be aware of this forum and general unrest.
Thanks WLF & others for comments.
I understand that the GPS/CAS rugby and athletic seasons now have similar dates, which would enable the Tier 1 & 2 competitions you have noted. It may be a sensible way to go.
Rugby at Shore still has strong participation and enthusiasm (13's go to G, opens go down to 8th's), however 1st and A teams are struggling to compete, and have been for years.
Many A players would prefer to pay B's so they don't get beaten each week and crushed by bigger players. It is hard for these boys to enjoy their rugby experience knowing that they are likely to lose each week.
Current Shore 13A's players may be looking at the prospect of winning none or few GPS comp games over the next 5 years of their school life. Should they all just take it on the chin, or is it better to move them into a more balanced competition where they can properly enjoy the game.
If Shore A players trained 7 days a week and ate steaks for breakfast, lunch & dinner, they are still going to be at a disadvantage without the scholarship big impact players.
The scholarship offenders seem to be getting worse, and are now doing it more in year 7 and 8, than in the final years. That is not going to change and Dr Wright will probably stay at Shore until it's "Goodbye Mr Chips".
Therefore somethings gotta give.