The timeline mentioned at the fan night was end aug/early sept, so probably next week.
The timeline mentioned at the fan night was end aug/early sept, so probably next week.
Do you think it could be delayed by the Super Rugby review? (Potentially cutting a Aussie Super Rugby team).
The current SANZAR deal requires 5 aussie teams so nothing can change until that deal ends, so we've still got the Brumbies for a least another few years.
The real concern is that it is being considered as an real option due to declining ratings (and crowds especially in SA), thus the involvement of all host broadcasters in the talks. So the current TV deal provides no protection nor its it locked down, thus the review and potential for changes in 2018. The current deal will be set on games not teams so with the Kings already on the edge, folding an Aussie team to make it 16 is a real option for the ARU.
The comment was made in all seriousness (not trolling), as if the reports of the ARU discussions in relation to cutting a team are true, it would have implications on the contracting of a HC (especially the duration of the contract) for a team potentially in the frame for being cut (the ARU do effectively have a controlling stake in the Force).
I hope they don't cut an Aussie team but I fear it will be the Force or Rebels. I actually think the preferred option will be the Rebels (based on the fact the private ownership is still costing the ARU a lot of $$ and the owner can still pull out at any time), but as that deal is entrenched it's unlikely to be able to be changed quickly. Although the Brumbies might take themselves out if they lose the latest court adventure (seriously), they are to important as the ARU will want to keep the teams that perform so they would divert funds at the cost of one of the others.
The HC signing may give us some real insight to what going on in the background. Coincidentally, have you noticed the Brumbies are yet to announce a HC. Tell me that's not odd.
Personally I think the whole comp has become just too complicated by the the additional 3 teams. I would rather it had stayed at Super15. For example I found I was losing interest in the form of the SA teams this year as it seemed less relevant.
I don't have any inside info with the Force so I'll just have to be optimistic and hope that we stay in the comp. If there's no announcement on the coach by the end of next week I'll start to worry.
The Australian experience is being replicated in New Zealand where the television audience has gone from 5,078,900 four years ago to an alarming low of 3,409,400 last year but this year has surged to 4,451,900. Attendance figures have almost regained 2012 levels at 292,356 after bottoming out at 226,715 in 2014.
Alarmingly, South African attendance figures are on the slide, down to 419,336 this year, their lowest figure in five years. After peaking at 20.7 million viewers in 2012, Super Rugby is now holding 16.9 million in the republic, a modest increase on last season.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...s/news-story/24d39481c699d81f070e74500b77e869
The real concern is that it is being considered as an real option due to declining ratings (and crowds especially in SA), thus the involvement of all host broadcasters in the talks. So the current TV deal provides no protection nor its it locked down, thus the review and potential for changes in 2018. The current deal will be set on games not teams so with the Kings already on the edge, folding an Aussie team to make it 16 is a real option for the ARU.
The comment was made in all seriousness (not trolling), as if the reports of the ARU discussions in relation to cutting a team are true, it would have implications on the contracting of a HC (especially the duration of the contract) for a team potentially in the frame for being cut (the ARU do effectively have a controlling stake in the Force).
I hope they don't cut an Aussie team but I fear it will be the Force or Rebels. I actually think the preferred option will be the Rebels (based on the fact the private ownership is still costing the ARU a lot of $$ and the owner can still pull out at any time), but as that deal is entrenched it's unlikely to be able to be changed quickly. Although the Brumbies might take themselves out if they lose the latest court adventure (seriously), they are to important as the ARU will want to keep the teams that perform so they would divert funds at the cost of one of the others.
The HC signing may give us some real insight to what going on in the background. Coincidentally, have you noticed the Brumbies are yet to announce a HC. Tell me that's not odd.
Personally I think the whole comp has become just too complicated by the the additional 3 teams. I would rather it had stayed at Super15. For example I found I was losing interest in the form of the SA teams this year as it seemed less relevant.
I don't have any inside info with the Force so I'll just have to be optimistic and hope that we stay in the comp. If there's no announcement on the coach by the end of next week I'll start to worry.
@MST, that's one of the most depressing posts I have read in a while. Informative, but dispiriting.
So back to the HC question - anyone with insight or a good rumour even?
Working Class Rugger.
Part of the ratings article you mentioned, up on last year but well down on previous years with SA very poor.