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Australian Rugby / RA

Pfitzy

George Gregan (70)
There used to be a University competition. Maybe not these days.

University Cup was merged into a number of other competitions after all of them shrank to the point they didn't have enough for their own competition. TAFE Polecats share our ground, and they got royally screwed around this year because some of the teams came from a Sunday comp and wouldn't play Saturdays.

Below the top couple of levels, rugby league in Sydney is a mess.
 

shanky

Darby Loudon (17)

whitefalcon

Bob Loudon (25)
Does the article have any new sources on Eddie quitting or is it a rehash of previous reports?
"The departures of a range of Wallabies staff, including the highly-respected team manager Chris Webb, signal that the end is nigh for Jones."

"Jones has denied any contact with the Japan Rugby Football Union, although sources say he is in the frame for the role and could have a second interview next month."

"It’s understood he has clauses in his contract that allow him an exit should Rugby Australia fail to secure private investment funding and a centralised model."

That's basically all you need from it

(Mods please delete if i have quoted too much)
 

The_Brown_Hornet

John Eales (66)
All I can say is that I'm glad Les is back in Australia coaching and not in charge of some other lot. Perhaps he can step up to be Wallaby defence coach?
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Andrew Slack (58)
No thanks. Just leave him be the Reds coach
Yeah, just because he played for the Kangaroos doesn't mean he's a Defensive genius whilst he was good defender personally. Goal kicking Winger...

Since he was HC of London Irish in the Premiership his sides conceded
2019/20: 28ppg - Ladder finish 10th
2020/21: 24ppg - Ladder finish 9th
2021/22: 27ppg - Ladder finish 8th
2022/23: 24ppg - Ladder finish 5th

Reds got an experienced set of hands when it didn't seem like a heap of coaches were on the market.

Having said this I would have him over Brett Hodgson.
 

The Red Baron

Chilla Wilson (44)
Are you sure you don't want a narrow defence that leaves the winger open so you can see more tries against us?
1698362540496.png
 

The Great Dissenter

Frank Nicholson (4)
AFR: Hamish McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying in Paris

"On Wednesday night, McLennan co-hosted a luxurious party for rugby elites alongside ambassador Bird at Australia’s Paris embassy. The invitation, written in French, called the party a celebration of Rugby Australia’s “Golden Decade: La décennie dorée de sport Australien”. We’re told the title wasn’t referring to the past 10 dreadful years for the Wallabies, rather, the next decade, which will feature a British Lions tour and World Cup in Australia."

"Who is even paying for all this? We know the answer. During his failed stint running Channel Ten for Lachlan Murdoch, McLennan picked up the broadcast rights to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on the cheap. Media circles still talk about McLennan’s corporate hospitality in the Russian snow. But McLennan pushing ahead with holding opulent parties in Paris, long after the Wallabies embarrassment and with the game’s long-term finances still in limbo, shows the man has lost all judgement."

"McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying. Corporate Australia has its own Hank the Tank."
 
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Wallaby Man

Trevor Allan (34)
AFR: Hamish McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying in Paris

"On Wednesday night, McLennan co-hosted a luxurious party for rugby elites alongside ambassador Bird at Australia’s Paris embassy. The invitation, written in French, called the party a celebration of Rugby Australia’s “Golden Decade: La décennie dorée de sport Australien”. We’re told the title wasn’t referring to the past 10 dreadful years for the Wallabies, rather, the next decade, which will feature a British Lions tour and World Cup in Australia."

"Who is even paying for all this? We know the answer. During his failed stint running Channel Ten for Lachlan Murdoch, McLennan picked up the broadcast rights to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on the cheap. Media circles still talk about McLennan’s corporate hospitality in the Russian snow. But McLennan pushing ahead with holding opulent parties in Paris, long after the Wallabies embarrassment and with the game’s long-term finances still in limbo, shows the man has lost all judgement."

"McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying. Corporate Australia has its own Hank the Tank.McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying."
I don’t get this thinking and it’s an easy shot at someone while they are down.

Anyone with any minimal knowledge of a chairman role will understand it’s all about networking and generating relationships. The journalist knows better but it’s an easy headline and those that complain about this are bereft of any business knowledge. Hamish is a flog in many ways and might not be the right person for the role but of course anyone in his position is going to be in Paris the week of the World Cup final, or course they are going to use the embassy to host networking opportunities for people that might be looking to invest far more into the game than the drinks and food they will eat on the night. I’d be worried if they weren’t doing this
 

LeCheese

Peter Johnson (47)
AFR: Hamish McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying in Paris

"On Wednesday night, McLennan co-hosted a luxurious party for rugby elites alongside ambassador Bird at Australia’s Paris embassy. The invitation, written in French, called the party a celebration of Rugby Australia’s “Golden Decade: La décennie dorée de sport Australien”. We’re told the title wasn’t referring to the past 10 dreadful years for the Wallabies, rather, the next decade, which will feature a British Lions tour and World Cup in Australia."

"Who is even paying for all this? We know the answer. During his failed stint running Channel Ten for Lachlan Murdoch, McLennan picked up the broadcast rights to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics on the cheap. Media circles still talk about McLennan’s corporate hospitality in the Russian snow. But McLennan pushing ahead with holding opulent parties in Paris, long after the Wallabies embarrassment and with the game’s long-term finances still in limbo, shows the man has lost all judgement."

"McLennan can’t stop, won’t stop partying. Corporate Australia has its own Hank the Tank."

At least quote the next part of the article, which actually concedes that his meetings, networking events, parties - whatever you want to call them - are paying dividends in some respects. As they did for the Sochi games in his former role. Business is business, and this is business.

It appears he’s justified the Parisian soirées meeting with global rugby officials back-ended since the Wallabies exit.

As well as his Rugby Australia role, McLennan chairs the regional SANZAAR. His “crunch meetings” led to an announcement of the new Nations Championship, expansion to allow more teams in the 2027 World Cup and a two-week delay of the tournament, avoiding clashing with the AFL and NRL season.
 
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