Where to for Twiggy Rugby?

[ForceFan]

I did posit an argument against the infusion of outside money into an existing (professional) system, but only because there might be some unintended consequences.

What absolute condescending claptrap.

There may also be some unexpected benefits..........

Perhaps this also is "too subtle a point".

My experience, over probably just as many years, is that wealth takers (including Public Servants) often find it extremely difficult to understand the actions of wealth makers, entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

 

[ForceFan]

If one listens to the naysayers on G&GR you'd have to ask: "What the hell does Brett Gosper know?"

I suggest that Andrew Forrest's World Series Rugby (formerly IPRC) is the right initiative at the right time.........

China has 30 million rugby fans – No.1 in the world alongside the USA, says World Rugby

Nazvi Careem - South China Morning Post - Tuesday, 10 April, 2018

That figure could explode if their women win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, says top official Brett Gosper.
China is among the world’s top countries when it comes to the popularity of rugby union with a fanbase of around 30 million, World Rugby said – and that figure could explode if the women’s sevens team win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Brett Gosper, CEO of the global governing body, said China and the United States lead the way in terms of rugby fanbase, both with 30 million people either interested or very interested in the game. There is also a strong following in India and Japan.
“It’s interesting to know that the largest number of fans in any single market is actually China, with 30 million rugby fans that we consider interested and very interested in rugby,” said Gosper during the Hong Kong Sevens week. “There are 30 million in the USA, 25 million in India and 15 million in Japan.
“We measure this through research and so on. It’s a good indicator, obviously it is not a precise tool but it gives an indication of emerging markets for us.
“And all of those markets are in certainly a fan growth phase and we’re seeing high participation growth, which is 8.5 million. This is double since 2009, so the sport is in a pretty healthy state.”
The Chinese women surprised everyone at the Hong Kong Sevens last week when they won the women’s World Series Qualifier competition, beating a strong South Africa in the final.
The victory means China will play in next season’s women’s World Series, exposing them to regular competition with the top teams on the planet.
The experience should help the squad improve further in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Sevens rugby made its debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Australia winning women’s gold and Fiji taking the men’s competition.
“It all helps if they [China] do well,” said Gosper. “At the end of the day, if we have a Chinese women’s team winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics certainly it will have more than a ripple effect.
“They are a very strong side capable of getting to the medals, I think, in Tokyo. They’ve got a lot of work to do but it’s possible.”
Two years ago, World Rugby announced an initiative by Alisport – the sporting arm of Alibaba, owner of the South China Morning Post – to invest US$100 million into the development of rugby in China, although Gosper said that programme is on hold until World Rugby officials meet the mainland’s new rugby leadership in May.
Gosper said rugby’s fanbase around the world is around 338 million and it increases significantly after the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup, the next edition of which will be in Japan in 2019.
“Our fanbase grows substantially with two major events,” said Gosper. “The Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games each add about 10 per cent to our fanbase.
“We have an uptick of about 30 million with just six days of the Olympics and six weeks in the World Cup. It’s a very similar uptick in numbers but the Olympics tend to draw in populations that we’re not used to seeing in the rugby franchise so much, so it is bringing in a very different and new geographical audience which is interesting.”

http://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fif...lion-rugby-fans-no-1-world-alongside-usa-says

 

[Rugbynutter39]

If one listens to the naysayers on G&GR you'd have to ask: "What the hell does Brett Gosper know?"

I suggest that Andrew Forrest's World Series Rugby (formerly IPRC) is the right initiative at the right time...

China has 30 million rugby fans – No.1 in the world alongside the USA, says World Rugby

Nazvi Careem - South China Morning Post - Tuesday, 10 April, 2018

That figure could explode if their women win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, says top official Brett Gosper.
China is among the world’s top countries when it comes to the popularity of rugby union with a fanbase of around 30 million, World Rugby said – and that figure could explode if the women’s sevens team win a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Brett Gosper, CEO of the global governing body, said China and the United States lead the way in terms of rugby fanbase, both with 30 million people either interested or very interested in the game. There is also a strong following in India and Japan.
“It’s interesting to know that the largest number of fans in any single market is actually China, with 30 million rugby fans that we consider interested and very interested in rugby,” said Gosper during the Hong Kong Sevens week. “There are 30 million in the USA, 25 million in India and 15 million in Japan.
“We measure this through research and so on. It’s a good indicator, obviously it is not a precise tool but it gives an indication of emerging markets for us.
“And all of those markets are in certainly a fan growth phase and we’re seeing high participation growth, which is 8.5 million. This is double since 2009, so the sport is in a pretty healthy state.”
The Chinese women surprised everyone at the Hong Kong Sevens last week when they won the women’s World Series Qualifier competition, beating a strong South Africa in the final.
The victory means China will play in next season’s women’s World Series, exposing them to regular competition with the top teams on the planet.
The experience should help the squad improve further in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics. Sevens rugby made its debut at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Australia winning women’s gold and Fiji taking the men’s competition.
“It all helps if they [China] do well,” said Gosper. “At the end of the day, if we have a Chinese women’s team winning a medal at the Tokyo Olympics certainly it will have more than a ripple effect.
“They are a very strong side capable of getting to the medals, I think, in Tokyo. They’ve got a lot of work to do but it’s possible.”
Two years ago, World Rugby announced an initiative by Alisport – the sporting arm of Alibaba, owner of the South China Morning Post – to invest US$100 million into the development of rugby in China, although Gosper said that programme is on hold until World Rugby officials meet the mainland’s new rugby leadership in May.
Gosper said rugby’s fanbase around the world is around 338 million and it increases significantly after the Olympics and the Rugby World Cup, the next edition of which will be in Japan in 2019.
“Our fanbase grows substantially with two major events,” said Gosper. “The Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games each add about 10 per cent to our fanbase.
“We have an uptick of about 30 million with just six days of the Olympics and six weeks in the World Cup. It’s a very similar uptick in numbers but the Olympics tend to draw in populations that we’re not used to seeing in the rugby franchise so much, so it is bringing in a very different and new geographical audience which is interesting.”

http://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/fif...lion-rugby-fans-no-1-world-alongside-usa-says

I would really like to see Japan team in twiggyball. And to note I have a soft spot for sunwolves as believe it is those innovative enough to make sure such a huge opportunity that is Japanese rugby works in pro ranks here...that is where sanzaar failed big time and where I believe twiggy ball team will make sure it won’t


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[GaffaCHinO]

Wolfmother just announced as pre game and halftime entertainment for the first WSR match on May 4 between the Force and Fiji.

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Wolfmother just announced as pre game and halftime entertainment for the first WSR match on May 4 between the Force and Fiji.

Just need the broadcast details now.

 

[chibimatty]

Damn! Was hoping for Slipknot

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Just need the broadcast details now.

Yep as a lot of us east coast folk would like to watch Twiggy's WSR to get some relief from the Oz Super Rugby dross....now resorting to taping Super Rugby matches so can fast forward when gets too painful e.g. like the match last night of Rebels against Stormers...

 

[ForceFan]

Good to get some more background on Andrew Forrest's motivation.......

"Don't mess with Twiggy"

 

[half]

Good to get some more background on Andrew Forrest's motivation...

"Don't mess with Twiggy"

Words cannot describe the stupidity of the then ARU board.

The beyond sad bit for me is we have someone prepared to put some big bucks, and he is no putting money into an Australian competition.

 

[ForceFan]

It wasn't just Twiggy that Rugby Australia crapped off.

This is what nib Stadium looked like for a Wallabies Test in 2016 (Argentina).

When was the last time you saw a rugby crowd that looked like that?????

Not happy Jan!!!!

 

[ForceFan]

Wouldn't it be a shame to see the administration of World Series Rugby get moved elsewhere due to the belligerence of Rugby Australia.

I'm sure that there would be significant tax advantages in having the HQ for WSR located off shore.....

It will be interesting to see what unfolds for 2019.

Andrew Forrest may bypass Rugby Australia to get World Series approval

Wayne Smith - The Australian - April 30, 2018

The Western Force’s billionaire backer Andrew Forrest is considering going offshore to get permission for his Asia-wide World Series Rugby concept if Rugby Australia does not come to the party — and, curiously, Rugby Australia may help him do so.

WSR will kick off at nib Stadium in Perth on Friday night when the “new” Western Force side, the one that has risen from the ashes of the axed Super Rugby franchise, will take on Fiji in a match that Forrest confidently predicts will attract the biggest audience for a non-Test match in Australia over the past two years. Already 10,000 tickets have been sold and indications are the walk-up crowd could match that number.

But while Rugby Australia has authorised that match and the string of other Force games this season — against Samoa, Tonga, Hong Kong, the Crusaders, Rebels and a leading Japanese team — Forrest is annoyed that RA still has not given its endorsement to WSR Stage 2, which will see his concept spread throughout Asia.

“If the vice-chairman (of RA, Brett Robinson) is terrified of competition and doesn’t see the collective benefit of building up the game and increasing the critical mass of the game, he will probably keep his foot on the throat of approval,” Forrest told The Australian.

The widespread understanding was that RA endorsement was vital to the success of the WSR project because, without it, World Rugby would withhold support. But Forrest disputed that assessment.

“You cannot be sure of that. You need approval of a new team. But the Western Force has been going for ages. It’s a brand new question with a new series. A new series can be sanctioned by Hong Kong or Singapore or anywhere, or even by World Rugby itself.”

There is no question World Rugby vigorously supports the concept of expanding into the Asia-Pacific and indeed has indicated to Rugby Australia it is prepared to put in a significant sum to fund the participation of Tonga and Samoa in an expanded National Rugby Championship, much as it did last year with the Fijian Drua side.

With the NRC about to be launched in August with a Sydney and NSW Country side, Brisbane and Queensland Country, the Western Force, the Canberra Vikings and Melbourne Rising, along with the Fijians, the addition of Tonga and Samoa would give the competition added international prestige and increasingly lead to the competition forming the basis of a post-2020 broadcast deal involving New Zealand’s ITM Cup. Indeed, if South Africa decides to head north, it could form the basis of a new trans-Tasman competition involving New Zealand.

None of that appeals to Forrest, however, who is determined to run a stand-alone competition. But if he decides to look to one of his Asian partners to provide legitimacy to WSR, it may well be RA would be prepared to assist him.

“If that was what Andrew wanted to do, I’m sure we wouldn’t want to get in his way,” Robinson said. “But it then creates a whole raft of other questions … what was the intention, is it about creating pathways for Wallabies or about building a rebel competition.

“We’ve been open to understanding what the future of the WSR looks like but we haven’t been provided with details. We flew to Perth in March to sign off on everything they wanted so we could get out of their way and not be accused of being a roadblock.”

Indeed, far from being an obstructionist, Robinson has wished Forrest well for the opening night of WSR and accepted an invitation to attend the match in Perth.

Forrest, meanwhile, was adamant that the crowd on Friday would not be confined to rugby diehards wanting to see the game return to Perth.

“It’s new people as well as old, people who have never been to a rugby game before. Their parents may have been rugby tragics but they themselves have all drifted away to soccer or hockey or football. These are the people who will be coming to this game,” he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sp...l/news-story/353f1b4ddd5d1cd6987c7270898863ee

 

[kiap]

“I’m sure we wouldn’t want to get in his way,” Robinson said. “But …

With Clyne's popularity in the toilet and Eales getting out before copping more splashback, we're starting to see the dry insider Brett Robinson being pushed to the front of the stage.

From being director of brushing away twigs, the good doktor could be steering the whole shitshow next – and soon …

 

[todd4]

Message from Western Force facebook. Leaving things a bit late but hopefully they can organise something;

Western Force

4 hrs ·
Hey everyone! Just a message from Force HQ. A huge thank you for all your messages regarding where the World Series Rugby matches will be telecast.
We are working hard on getting you all an answer and will hopefully have some news in the next few days.
Keep your eyes peeled to our social media pages for announcements.
Thanks for your support and we cannot wait to launch this new and exciting era at the Force!

 

[Strewthcobber]

So is the issue still Twiggy wanting Wallaby eligibility for everyone involved in WSR and RA wanting eligibility limited to the Force only?

That bit seems to be missing from the article?

 

[ForceFan]

An interesting development......so free-to-air AND Foxtel???????

 

[Killer]

So is the issue still Twiggy wanting Wallaby eligibility for everyone involved in WSR and RA wanting eligibility limited to the Force only?

That bit seems to be missing from the article?

I'm sure that is one still outstanding issue.
I don't think we should get bogged down in single issues.
RA has made it clear from the start by their actions that they want any new competitions not directly under their control to fail.
They will raise any single issue and use their influence in order to achieve this goal.
The current board made their bed with regards to Twiggy long ago.
As time goes on and their power diminishes they will try to make compromises. Robbo's recent comments sound whiny and pathetic.
The end game is pretty obvious I think.

 

[todd4]

An interesting development..so free-to-air AND Foxtel???????

View attachment 9889

Thanks ForceFan I found it on my Foxtel guide ch 505 8pm to 9.30pm WST on Fri 4th May. The game is on from 6.30pm to 8pm so it's not live but replayed straight after it finishes. Where is it on FTA?

 

[GoMelbRebels]

Thanks ForceFan I found it on my Foxtel guide ch 505 8pm to 9.30pm WST on Fri 4th May. The game is on from 6.30pm to 8pm so it's not live but replayed straight after it finishes. Where is it on FTA?

It will be live on FTA (In Perth / WA). Stand by for more...

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Message from Western Force facebook. Leaving things a bit late but hopefully they can organise something;



Western Force



4 hrs ·

Hey everyone! Just a message from Force HQ. A huge thank you for all your messages regarding where the World Series Rugby matches will be telecast.

We are working hard on getting you all an answer and will hopefully have some news in the next few days.

Keep your eyes peeled to our social media pages for announcements.

Thanks for your support and we cannot wait to launch this new and exciting era at the Force!

I hope so as many of east coasters want to a) watch the game and b) support......

 

[Rugbynutter39]

So is the issue still Twiggy wanting Wallaby eligibility for everyone involved in WSR and RA wanting eligibility limited to the Force only?



That bit seems to be missing from the article?

It is a pity RA could not sanction Wallaby eligibility for any WSR teams say for X year period (transition period to support competition establishment). Now I am no legal eagle but if RA was concerned this may open up UK/Europe based oz players challenging that they should be also eligible for Wallaby selection and that this provides a precedent and supports restraint of trade arguments I could understand.