Australian rugby/RA

[Dan54]

100% he suggested and claimed multiple times in an attempt to blame RA for the 1st time that NZRU scheduled the test match.

frankly I don’t know why he brought it up again

Simply answering Igs question, if it actually meant more bums on seats by having game 2 hours earlier. Thought it was polite, I don't care what what time it was on, I thought convo was finished, but if someone asks a question, it polite to reply. I was dead wrong about why RA had their games early, as I thought it was to attract crowds, bit I have been corrected.

 

[stoff]

New to here.
I would like to commend Phil Waugh and his team for the renewed professionalism and grounded approach we are finally seeing at Rugby Australia. It has been a long road back after years of unstable leadership and inconsistent decision making, but for the first time in a while, it feels like the organisation is moving in a clear and disciplined direction.
Under Waugh’s leadership, Rugby Australia has stabilised its finances well ahead of expectations, which is no small feat given where things were only a short time ago. The board has shown restraint and accountability, cutting unnecessary spending, restructuring key departments, and rebuilding trust with sponsors and broadcasters. They have done it without losing sight of the bigger picture: growing the game and ensuring that the Wallabies, Super Rugby, and grassroots rugby all benefit from a sustainable model. What I respect most is that they have kept it real. They are not pretending there is an easy fix. They have acknowledged the sacrifices needed to rebuild the game and made some tough calls along the way. That honesty and humility have been missing for a long time.
There is still a fair way to go, but credit where it is due. This leadership group has brought financial discipline, transparency, and a sense of direction that has been sorely needed.

I’d like to contrast that with my experience on the ground. Our local rugby club, after not having enough players to field a senior side on 2024, fought back and not only fielded a 2025 team, but also won its grade. At a junior level our club is surviving on merged sides - one merger spanning around 60kms separation. Today i received an email from my kids school inviting kids to sign up for a six week league program. Imagine if RA ran a similar program in established rugby areas to help support the game post-Rebels. I get we don’t have a pro side any more in. Victoria, but the speed at which RA vacated the ground is shocking.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

Its clear why the Storm after 25 years finally have a Melbourne based feeder team next year. They are capitalising on our failures (and so they should). Storm have produced f all in terms of playing talent and have drained the other regions. Now with rugby out of the picture I imagine they will actually start having some players come through.

 

[bhim]

I was a little surprised to read on ROAR, that RA is cutting spending on women's game in Aus? It probably reads badly when they just made 100 odd mill of Lions tour. I know they still have to be careful and not blow money, but the risk is (and I say this about NZR too) , that Women's game is by far the biggest area of growth for the game, and I wonder if the unions shouldn't be looking at actually building up that area?

Has an explanation for this been given anywhere? I have seen speculation that because it was a WC year the expenses were higher and next year is going back to pre WC expenses but not sure how true that is. Also being reported that pathways and mens 7s are facing cuts as well.

I have been a fan of Waugh and everything he has done for the game as a whole so far so I'm sure there is an explanation to this but can't work out what it would be

 

[Dan54]

Has an explanation for this been given anywhere? I have seen speculation that because it was a WC year the expenses were higher and next year is going back to pre WC expenses but not sure how true that is. Also being reported that pathways and mens 7s are facing cuts as well.

I have been a fan of Waugh and everything he has done for the game as a whole so far so I'm sure there is an explanation to this but can't work out what it would be

Yep I a fan of Waugh (and the RA board in general seem to be good), and even as a kiwi I pleased they not wasting the money they made from Lions etc. Just not sure perhaps it a good look to trumpet the profits from the Lions game and then cut funding to women's game. I can understand cutting perhaps 7s funding etc (I think NZR could do same) but worry, although I not a huge fan of the Women's game I do think it's important growth area. Seems it being handed over to NRL almost.

 

[Ignoto]

Has an explanation for this been given anywhere?

Like everything Doran writes, there's a lot of half truths. Looking at the women's high performance manager, perhaps the resignation is due to Jamie finding something else as Peter Horne is overseeing both the Wallabies and Wallaroos so Jamie has no role available that he thinks he is fit for.

Are the cuts actual cuts or a return to base as the Wallaroos expenditure went up as they had a RWC overseas.

 

[bomber06]

Like everything Doran writes, there's a lot of half truths. Looking at the women's high performance manager, perhaps the resignation is due to Jamie finding something else as Peter Horne is overseeing both the Wallabies and Wallaroos so Jamie has no role available that he thinks he is fit for.

Are the cuts actual cuts or a return to base as the Wallaroos expenditure went up as they had a RWC overseas.

Doran is an habitual headline chaser these days. Shame.