WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
What we need is a professional u20s comp, this is by far the most essential thing to keep talent in our game. Why? Well if you're talented 18 year old playing rugby, what option do you have next year, only the best pick up professional contracts out of school. The NRL can offer you a professional contract in the NYC straight away, that's much more enticing than playing colts for nothing for the next 2 years. Same problem in NZ as mentioned. We lose way too many to league because there's no pro contracts out of school for rugby players.
Qwerty,
I largely agree with the need for an U20s Competition. There has been a model offered (well, an U23s) in the Universities concept offered by RUPA. Perhaps RUPA should look to get that up and running alongside the Universities. Being separate from the ARU may actually be a good thing.
It appears the Super B concept is the one we're going with. I think it could work if they don't just call them Tahs A, Reds A and such. Call them Sydney, Brisbane etc. Also I would like to see a 6th team in Western Sydney get involved to provide 10 good level games for every team. Either that or invite the Islands to be involved. The beauty of this is that the IRB will likely foot the bill for them as part of their commitment to the games development in the region.
Bowside,
Are you talking about the bloke behind the Fanatics concept or another one you've become aware of? If so, care to elaborate?