churchills cigar
Peter Burge (5)
The problem(s) as I see them are numerous, least of all the hypocrisy of the ARU towards the current sevens players.
It is well accepted by the players they were told in no uncertain terms that super and test players would NOT be in contention for the Olympic selection. This had the effect of the players accepting their meagre remuneration as compensation for an Olympic spot.
They were also told of a supposed sponsorship boost by QANTAS which would give then higher payments.
Both are lies and a misuse of trust.
It is now common knowledge that test players will be used ( I still remember the debacle at the Commonwealth games where ring ins couldn't handle the speed and fitness) and player payments have not risen as a result of the new sponsorship agreement.
Consequently all current sevens players are still for peanuts and playing under the illusion of Olympic glory, neither of which will happen.
When you throw in the constant lure of super contracts, it's no wonder we cannot keep a decent team on the paddock.
I do not subscribe to the theory test players as touted here will be the panacea for Rio. Fitness and speed will see to that, some might but not all that are mentioned.
I doubt super clubs will be too willing to lose their stars for 12 months while they prepare at sevens, who will pay then from what funds.
I know company sevens players who have gone to super and they all tell me sevens was a great pathway, none relish going back purely because of the huge increase in fitness requirements, yet cal, would love the chance to go to Rio.
I'm afraid until the ARU can come up with a financial solution to the super players foregoing super rugby and also compensating current sevens players we will not only continue to be an also ran at sevens our Olympic program will not be anything too special.
It is well accepted by the players they were told in no uncertain terms that super and test players would NOT be in contention for the Olympic selection. This had the effect of the players accepting their meagre remuneration as compensation for an Olympic spot.
They were also told of a supposed sponsorship boost by QANTAS which would give then higher payments.
Both are lies and a misuse of trust.
It is now common knowledge that test players will be used ( I still remember the debacle at the Commonwealth games where ring ins couldn't handle the speed and fitness) and player payments have not risen as a result of the new sponsorship agreement.
Consequently all current sevens players are still for peanuts and playing under the illusion of Olympic glory, neither of which will happen.
When you throw in the constant lure of super contracts, it's no wonder we cannot keep a decent team on the paddock.
I do not subscribe to the theory test players as touted here will be the panacea for Rio. Fitness and speed will see to that, some might but not all that are mentioned.
I doubt super clubs will be too willing to lose their stars for 12 months while they prepare at sevens, who will pay then from what funds.
I know company sevens players who have gone to super and they all tell me sevens was a great pathway, none relish going back purely because of the huge increase in fitness requirements, yet cal, would love the chance to go to Rio.
I'm afraid until the ARU can come up with a financial solution to the super players foregoing super rugby and also compensating current sevens players we will not only continue to be an also ran at sevens our Olympic program will not be anything too special.