Reds 2020

These guys should be a weekly cameo slot on a Rugby show. Rather then listening to Gregan bumbling over statistics and names. No wonder noone watched.

Is Newstead brewery even aligned with reds?

Pretty sure Brad Thorn coach shirt has a big XXXX logo on it now.

Nah, Newstead are out of the picture now. https://newsteadbrewing.com.au/20-nineteen-in-review/

This bit:

"For all the runs on the board for 2019, it was not without its challenges. We experienced first-hand the strong-arm tactics of the major breweries. For the last two years we were privileged to be the Official Craft Beer Sponsor of QLD Rugby. QLD Rugby have made the disappointing decision to discontinue our partnership for 2020, as they were offered an enormous increase in their support from Lion, to be the sole beverage partner. And fair dues to QLD Rugby, we are all aware of the state of Rugby in Australia, and I am personally very happy for anything that will boost the game in QLD, even to Newstead’s detriment. The experience did, however, solidify the reason I am so passionate about Newstead, where not every decision needs to be a commercial one."

Agreed 15 is the position I think he will really excel at.

I'll clarify my statement about his pace. He is quick and actually has very very good acceleration, I just think the extra few meters at top end pace would make his transition from super to intl a much more likely scenario.

One of the owners of Newstead is an avid rugby supporter. Absolutely loved the Reds and Wallabies. I know how happy he was when they got the sponsorship for QPR, it will have broken his heart not being able to provide sponsorship in 2020 but reckon he will be stoked that his company has been able to drive a significantly better deal for QRU from Lion. I'll still be showing support for their company by heading there before and after any suncorp games I get to.

Hopefully they'll still be involved with the Hospital Cup.

I wonder if the the Sunwolves just forgoing all match day revenue, or are the QRU paying them a fee?

Yeah, can't see the QRU (or the NSWRU/ACTRU/RA for the other game) paying the sunwolves a fee. Anything they get will be out of insurance, either that they've taken or that SANZAAR has. QRU might get a bit of a bonus in terms of a boost to ticket sales, but the big winner is probably Suncorp and the Caxton st precinct - you'd have to think an extra game and a likely 2 hour break in between on a Saturday will see a lot more food and beer sold. Particularly given the crusaders are capable of drawing a decent crowd in Brisbane.

Some could argue the Sunwolves ought to be paying the QRU given they are providing facilities etc.

But regardless I think it'll make a massive difference to the crowed, the Crusaders are one of the most popular Super Rugby teams in Brisbane. The last time I remember a Brisbane Crusaders game they got something like 22k. So it'll be a good game.

Yep, aside from having another Aussie team playing, this is probably best result for a double header. Sunwolves should have a number of QLD based players in the side (Schatz, Horan, Stolberg and Maafu) and the Crusaders are a well supported team wherever they go and play a good brand of footy.

Stadium keeps all the food + beverage costs though don't they?

Even if the bump in the crowd is only small, an extra 90mins of beer drinking and food purchases will be worth quite a bit.

But yeah, I imagine the cost of forgone revenue is probably covered by the insurance or compensation from the Japanese Government.

There is a revenue share model for Queensland Stadiums between the stadium and venue hirer.

Yeah its Suncorp Stadium providing the facilities, but the QRU is also the venue hirer for that night

Papers say $1.8M deal for Vunivalu. 3 or 4 years?