Aussie Pro Rugby
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I think the key factor is the increasing allure of European rugby. When the Rebels were introduced in 2011, we didn't have the depth to support them - and no-one argued that at the time. The idea was, though, that we'd be able to build that depth and in a few years we'd see less foreign players (like those in the early days of the Rebels - Delve, Sommerville, Lipman etc) and more locally bred ones.
I'd argue we have actually produced these players, but now so many of them have gone overseas. We're seeing so many more 2nd and 3rd tier players find lucrative contracts in Europe, and those are the guys that should be playing for the 4th and 5th franchises. I reckon there are 20-30 of these sort of blokes over there now (the Hugh Pyles, Peter Kimlins, Kieran Longbottoms of the world, not necessarily the Beale/Mitchell/Genias) and we just can't cope.
I'm not sure this was predictable six years ago. Maybe it should have been. Either way I think it's a big reason we are where we are.
And yes NZ face the same issues, but have much greater structures and depth to cope. And less competition from League and AFL.
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@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby in general:
And yes NZ face the same issues, but have much greater structures and depth to cope. And less competition from League
Actually, league is a greater problem for New Zealand rugby; on a per capita basis, more New Zealanders are playing in the NRL than Australians.
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Hey lads - on the topic of Aussie Rugby: my club is struggling for numbers a bit.
If you know anyone who wants a run, our registration fees are pretty cheap and we're bloody good value (Major sponsor is a pub! https://www.ettamogahhotel.com.au/).
Ta.
EDIT: We're in Northwest Sydney - Kellyvile.
(Ignore the hideous design. Its ten years old and I'll get around to fixing it one day).
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@antipodean TBH I think 4 Grades of seniors is really too much for a competition to bear at this point. Turnover is the issue: not regular. Happens in fits and starts.
e.g. a lower grade team wins a title after playing together a few years, they're all 30+ and decide they've had enough. Wife hassling them about Saturdays for family events etc. I've been there.
Happened to other teams here - one private school has an Old Boys club that used to be quite competitive, but has slowly drifted. Their 4th Grade played together for years, made the finals, just lost. Finally wont it and retired en masse. Club could only put up 2 out of 4 Grades the next year! Now they're in 6th Division with only 1 Grade, and trying to rebuild with no 5th Div (2 grades) at the moment.
And without 5th Division, 6th Division is palliative care for some clubs, and a simple joy for others. Go play some of the clubs for whom rugby is the off-season for Surf Boats. They're big, fit, and hard. But they don't want two Grades.
I'd be no hope of putting up 4th Grade without a base of white collar workers to run it off. I've got so many blokes who work a Saturday morning that I could barely consider more than what I have now.
Its a funny thing. For years I've been thinking how the club is in the biggest growth corridor in Sydney, yet can't seem to consistently hit numbers.
But I realise that the people buying in this corridor are usually older to start with, can't afford to get injured, and don't want to throw away their Saturdays getting smashed by big Islander blokes in any case.
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Rebels have come out swinging:
https://melbournerebels.com/2017/04/14/melbourne-rebels-statement-2/
Summary: Nah, fuck you, ARU!
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I played most of First Grade at LHP on Saturday. 26 blokes for two grades. Some of them didn't show up until part way through First Grade. Most of them aren't First Grade quality anyway - or Second Grade for that matter.
One guy now in hospital with a twin fracture to his scapula. Another with an MCL.
And in two weeks we get to play against a team featuring a Subbies rep player and Stanley Afeaki
Fucking yay rugby
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@Bones said in Aussie Rugby in general:
@NTA On ya! Stan's a softy bro, just give him a tickle.
Yeah but I'm old and unfit and white as fuck.
Oatley travelled to Sydney Harlequins (who I'd consider 2nd or 3rd best after them) on the weekend and comfortably beat them 44-3.
Two Harlequins players are also in hospital.
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@Rancid-Schnitzel giving me fucking nightmares as President. Raffle this week to help the broken shoulder blade's family cover the bills until his income protection kicks in.
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