The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
It probably is as simple as that. We've got a goal of where we want the game to be in 2027, let's just work backwards from there and every decision will be in service of bringing that about
Australian Rugby / RA
- Thread starter Dave Beat
- Start date
PhilClinton
Geoff Shaw (53)
Not sure if it's been mentioned but I'm fairly certain those RM Williams Heritage jerseys are pretty much sold out around the country, in all colours.
At least in Brisbane or online I couldn't get my hands on anything larger than an S for my old fella who's off to the RWC.
At least in Brisbane or online I couldn't get my hands on anything larger than an S for my old fella who's off to the RWC.
It’s happening.
Rugby Australia (RA), the Australian Super Rugby Clubs, Member Unions and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) have agreed to pursue a historic strategic reset of Rugby in Australia.
With a once in a generation pipeline of major Rugby events set to supercharge the game in Australia, headlined by the 2025 Lions Tour, the Rugby World Cup for men in 2027, and the women’s World Cup in 2029, the vision for this transformation is for all levels to have clearly defined roles, with stakeholders aligned to work more collaboratively towards greater success for Australian Rugby on and off the field.
As part of the change:
* Member Unions will continue to oversee and deliver the Community game
* Super Rugby Clubs will be responsible for local talent development and pathways, as well as the operational delivery of Super Rugby Pacific and Super W programs, aligned with the National High-Performance Plan
* RA will lead the National High-Performance Plan and system, which includes national pathways and development programs, National Teams across XVs and Sevens and contracting players and key high-performance staff within Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and national programs.
The planned strategic reset between RA, Super Rugby Clubs, the Member Unions and RUPA is designed to implement a structure that:
- Continuously improves on-field results for Super Rugby Clubs across Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and Teams in Gold throughout the golden decade of major events in Australia
- Provides for increased investment in Women’s Rugby, with a particular focus on the high-performance programs and sustainable growth in player payments
- Attracts and retains the best Australian players, coaches and officials
- Drives focus on, and investment in the Community game – particularly with the expected surge in engagement and participation numbers following the Lions Tour and Rugby World Cups
- Increases fan engagement and grows the brands within Australian Rugby, subsequently generating more fans of the sport
- Improves the commercial performance of Super Rugby Clubs
- Streamlines the governance of professional Rugby.
Under the plan RA and its Member Unions around the country will work together to drive a stronger connection with the Community to create a thriving, sustainable, fun and inclusive game at the grassroots level.
The reset at the professional level will also incorporate a national contracting model ahead of the 2025 season – a project that RA, Super Rugby Clubs and RUPA have been developing over the last two years, and which will see an increase in overall investment in players to support retention and recruitment.
Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh believes now is the ideal time for a strategic transformation of Australian Rugby, with an upcoming capital raise, the 2025 Lions Tour and two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 providing an ideal platform to recharge and refocus Rugby in this country.
“Together, we need to change our collective approach to ensure that Rugby in Australia can prosper, on and off the field – from the heartbeat of our game at the grassroots right through to our Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams.
“We firmly believe that strategic structural change is required if we are to deliver success for the game in the future – particularly with the pipeline of major Rugby events happening in our backyard through to 2032.
“This is a significant project and needs to be done through a spirit of partnership across Australian Rugby, motivated by the collective desire to ensure we are winning on the field and ensuring that we are sustainable, and able to grow off it.
“The implementation of this model cannot be a one-size-fits-all model, and needs to reflect the specifics of each Super Rugby Club, Member Union and their markets.
“It will take time to successfully deliver this project, however we intend to formally commence work on rolling it out over the coming weeks, with a plan to methodically work through the process with our many stakeholders.
“With the many exciting events on the horizon for Australian Rugby, it is important that we take this opportunity to really set up our system, and our Clubs to be more successful, and drive the game forward at all levels.”
NSW Waratahs Chairman, Tony Crawford: “The reset of professional Rugby in this country is long overdue. We are committed to RA’s new strategic direction which will give the Waratahs an even better opportunity to develop, attract and retain the rich seam of talent that we have, and to grow our game from grass roots, at every level. We look forward to working with Rugby Australia to return Rugby in NSW and Australia to its position as a powerhouse of the sport.”
ACT Brumbies Chairman, Matthew Nobbs: “The Brumbies will explore the process of helping shape the structure and direction of Rugby in Australia. This club has a proud history of innovation and success in Australian Rugby, and we see this as an opportunity to drive Rugby forward in the ACT and Southern NSW.”
Melbourne Rebels Chairman, Paul Docherty: “The Melbourne Rebels are strong supporters of the right structural change to enhance the professional game, while ensuring we retain our national footprint and a greater inclusion and pathway from community through high-performance and into our National teams. It is a positive move that Super Rugby Clubs and Member Unions are working through this together and shows an intent to get our game back to the top where it belongs.”
Queensland Reds Chairman, Brett Clark: “The QLD Reds will be behind measures that will lead to more successful Super Rugby clubs and Australian sides on and off the field. There is a lot of detail to work through, and we are supportive to start on what the model will look like in Queensland and how we can contribute to ensure sustained success on-field at all levels.”
Western Force Chairman, Anthony Flannery: “Rugby is healthy and growing in Western Australia and has much to offer Australian Rugby. We believe the changes that RA is proposing will allow all clubs and RA to work together to develop a high-performance program that ensures a successful future for the sport in Australia – something all Rugby fans in the country can be proud of and want to be part of. What that looks like in each province could be different, and we have plenty to work through as a group – however, it is an exciting opportunity for the game ahead of some major milestones that we have coming up.”
Rugby Union Players Association Chairman, Campbell Fisher: “As a playing group, anything that develops better players and playing conditions must be welcomed – and that is the stated intent of Rugby Australia’s strategy here, so we are supportive, and we will be keen participants in this process. The governing body has reiterated its commitment to five professional clubs and increased investment in Women’s Rugby, however with a more focused development system and greater clarity on the future contracting of players – steps that we endorse as a group, and which we believe will have a positive effect right across the game.”
Rugby Australia (RA), the Australian Super Rugby Clubs, Member Unions and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) have agreed to pursue a historic strategic reset of Rugby in Australia.
With a once in a generation pipeline of major Rugby events set to supercharge the game in Australia, headlined by the 2025 Lions Tour, the Rugby World Cup for men in 2027, and the women’s World Cup in 2029, the vision for this transformation is for all levels to have clearly defined roles, with stakeholders aligned to work more collaboratively towards greater success for Australian Rugby on and off the field.
As part of the change:
* Member Unions will continue to oversee and deliver the Community game
* Super Rugby Clubs will be responsible for local talent development and pathways, as well as the operational delivery of Super Rugby Pacific and Super W programs, aligned with the National High-Performance Plan
* RA will lead the National High-Performance Plan and system, which includes national pathways and development programs, National Teams across XVs and Sevens and contracting players and key high-performance staff within Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and national programs.
The planned strategic reset between RA, Super Rugby Clubs, the Member Unions and RUPA is designed to implement a structure that:
- Continuously improves on-field results for Super Rugby Clubs across Super Rugby Pacific, Super W and Teams in Gold throughout the golden decade of major events in Australia
- Provides for increased investment in Women’s Rugby, with a particular focus on the high-performance programs and sustainable growth in player payments
- Attracts and retains the best Australian players, coaches and officials
- Drives focus on, and investment in the Community game – particularly with the expected surge in engagement and participation numbers following the Lions Tour and Rugby World Cups
- Increases fan engagement and grows the brands within Australian Rugby, subsequently generating more fans of the sport
- Improves the commercial performance of Super Rugby Clubs
- Streamlines the governance of professional Rugby.
Under the plan RA and its Member Unions around the country will work together to drive a stronger connection with the Community to create a thriving, sustainable, fun and inclusive game at the grassroots level.
The reset at the professional level will also incorporate a national contracting model ahead of the 2025 season – a project that RA, Super Rugby Clubs and RUPA have been developing over the last two years, and which will see an increase in overall investment in players to support retention and recruitment.
Rugby Australia CEO, Phil Waugh believes now is the ideal time for a strategic transformation of Australian Rugby, with an upcoming capital raise, the 2025 Lions Tour and two Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 providing an ideal platform to recharge and refocus Rugby in this country.
“Together, we need to change our collective approach to ensure that Rugby in Australia can prosper, on and off the field – from the heartbeat of our game at the grassroots right through to our Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams.
“We firmly believe that strategic structural change is required if we are to deliver success for the game in the future – particularly with the pipeline of major Rugby events happening in our backyard through to 2032.
“This is a significant project and needs to be done through a spirit of partnership across Australian Rugby, motivated by the collective desire to ensure we are winning on the field and ensuring that we are sustainable, and able to grow off it.
“The implementation of this model cannot be a one-size-fits-all model, and needs to reflect the specifics of each Super Rugby Club, Member Union and their markets.
“It will take time to successfully deliver this project, however we intend to formally commence work on rolling it out over the coming weeks, with a plan to methodically work through the process with our many stakeholders.
“With the many exciting events on the horizon for Australian Rugby, it is important that we take this opportunity to really set up our system, and our Clubs to be more successful, and drive the game forward at all levels.”
NSW Waratahs Chairman, Tony Crawford: “The reset of professional Rugby in this country is long overdue. We are committed to RA’s new strategic direction which will give the Waratahs an even better opportunity to develop, attract and retain the rich seam of talent that we have, and to grow our game from grass roots, at every level. We look forward to working with Rugby Australia to return Rugby in NSW and Australia to its position as a powerhouse of the sport.”
ACT Brumbies Chairman, Matthew Nobbs: “The Brumbies will explore the process of helping shape the structure and direction of Rugby in Australia. This club has a proud history of innovation and success in Australian Rugby, and we see this as an opportunity to drive Rugby forward in the ACT and Southern NSW.”
Melbourne Rebels Chairman, Paul Docherty: “The Melbourne Rebels are strong supporters of the right structural change to enhance the professional game, while ensuring we retain our national footprint and a greater inclusion and pathway from community through high-performance and into our National teams. It is a positive move that Super Rugby Clubs and Member Unions are working through this together and shows an intent to get our game back to the top where it belongs.”
Queensland Reds Chairman, Brett Clark: “The QLD Reds will be behind measures that will lead to more successful Super Rugby clubs and Australian sides on and off the field. There is a lot of detail to work through, and we are supportive to start on what the model will look like in Queensland and how we can contribute to ensure sustained success on-field at all levels.”
Western Force Chairman, Anthony Flannery: “Rugby is healthy and growing in Western Australia and has much to offer Australian Rugby. We believe the changes that RA is proposing will allow all clubs and RA to work together to develop a high-performance program that ensures a successful future for the sport in Australia – something all Rugby fans in the country can be proud of and want to be part of. What that looks like in each province could be different, and we have plenty to work through as a group – however, it is an exciting opportunity for the game ahead of some major milestones that we have coming up.”
Rugby Union Players Association Chairman, Campbell Fisher: “As a playing group, anything that develops better players and playing conditions must be welcomed – and that is the stated intent of Rugby Australia’s strategy here, so we are supportive, and we will be keen participants in this process. The governing body has reiterated its commitment to five professional clubs and increased investment in Women’s Rugby, however with a more focused development system and greater clarity on the future contracting of players – steps that we endorse as a group, and which we believe will have a positive effect right across the game.”
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
Without saying it, it appears to at least be a move towards centralisation. Similar with intentions about the third tier.
Seems that RA will be more involved / responsible for coaching in super rugby and super w teams?
And that basically the super teams will align their preparation with the national perspective.
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
A bit hard to filter out the consultant, but it would appear RA is managing Super contracting, and Super clubs have more of a hands-on influence in the top levels of Club rugby?
Edit: The rugby.com.au article provides a more simple summary
Adam84
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Sounds like an improvement in line with other market leaders.
when they say RA will lead the ‘National High Performance Plan’ does that mean every super rugby player is inclusive of this plan, or is this only applicable to players that RA deem of national significance?
my question is, will RA only focus on the PONIs through this; or are they leading the contracting of all players from of your Taniela Tupous down to your Dane Zander’s. Or does your Dane Zander-esque player fall under local talent development. I just wonder where the line in the sand is.
**sorry to Dane Zander
when they say RA will lead the ‘National High Performance Plan’ does that mean every super rugby player is inclusive of this plan, or is this only applicable to players that RA deem of national significance?
my question is, will RA only focus on the PONIs through this; or are they leading the contracting of all players from of your Taniela Tupous down to your Dane Zander’s. Or does your Dane Zander-esque player fall under local talent development. I just wonder where the line in the sand is.
**sorry to Dane Zander
Wilson
Michael Lynagh (62)
Should really be the Allan Ala'alatoa's down to the Dane Zander's.
But yes, from my understanding of the contracting model they have been working on the aim is to cover the entirety of the professional game, so I assume high performance will be a part of that. They also stress the contracting of key high-performance staff which I assume will initially focus on things like strength and conditioning to drive that.
dru
Tim Horan (67)
Statements of support from:
RUPA
NSW Waratahs
Qld Reds
ACT Brumbies
Western Force
Excellent.
Next, I'm looking for connectivity and support from and to the community game where Member Unions will continue to oversee and deliver the Community game. Particularly, what is the state of support in NSW? My perspective is that the SRU have increasingly wanted to be seen as the Community game leaving Subbies with "WTF?". There is an apparent need for better cohesiveness between NSWRU and SRU. And to do this without isolation of Subbies. The attitude from SRU is key here. That then follows to development pathways between club and "the professional game" (I hate the term "third tier") - to tie-in the support (or sabotage) from the SRU through to the franchises.
RUPA
NSW Waratahs
Qld Reds
ACT Brumbies
Western Force
Excellent.
Next, I'm looking for connectivity and support from and to the community game where Member Unions will continue to oversee and deliver the Community game. Particularly, what is the state of support in NSW? My perspective is that the SRU have increasingly wanted to be seen as the Community game leaving Subbies with "WTF?". There is an apparent need for better cohesiveness between NSWRU and SRU. And to do this without isolation of Subbies. The attitude from SRU is key here. That then follows to development pathways between club and "the professional game" (I hate the term "third tier") - to tie-in the support (or sabotage) from the SRU through to the franchises.
Look, don't read too much into the statements of support. I know a few aren't completely sold while others still pushing for some caveats. But its good strong leadership by RA and I think it needed to happen. The game is becoming increasingly irrelevant in this country and anyone who thinks drastic change isn't needed is kidding themselves. Even if some clubs think they can do it better themselves, it's no use doing it better yourself if there's no one else to play and the sport becomes a hobby activity. Much like the statements said elsewhere about kiwis really wanting Australia to get strong again.
I remember hearing a QLD Cricket staff member talk some years ago and she was very clear on her role - she worked for cricket in QLD, not for QLD Cricket. That has to be the perspective of our teams / states - we need to work together to make the code strong again.
drewprint
John Solomon (38)
Great post Reg. I love this last para too - it’s how I’ve seen myself with rugby for a long time. I’m an Australian rugby fan first and foremost - Wallabies and Reds come later but my main love is the game and it’s overall health here. But I'm a nobody - I really hope the various powerbrokers across the game all get on board with this attitude too. It’s like that old management principle - disagree sure, then commit.
Dctarget
John Eales (66)
What would be the negatives of this move? Why would people not be supporting it?
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
control.
Its tradition with sporting teams - when anything wrong the default is to shit on the entity above you. Clubs blame the state unions, state unions blame the national union, national unions blame the international body. The international body remains blissfully ignorant.
Slayer!
Allen Oxlade (6)
Because why would you let Rugby Australia - who came up with the $999 limited edition RM Williams ball - anywhere near your commercial department?
This is a hostile takeover of Super Rugby Clubs.
There is some merit in "aligning" high performance, but what RA really wants is "centralisation", where they can demand that Tate McDermott plays for the Rebels.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Anyone with an argument against this approach should have to show how the current environment is working or better?
This is the first statement of the Project and hopefully we find out more over the next couple of months.
RA had to do something with what is coming down the pipeline in Australia in regards to Rugby events over the next 5 years and the potential benefit that can come from it for a long time.
This is the first statement of the Project and hopefully we find out more over the next couple of months.
RA had to do something with what is coming down the pipeline in Australia in regards to Rugby events over the next 5 years and the potential benefit that can come from it for a long time.