Blues 2024
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@cgrant said in Blues 2024:
In terms of TV audience, the Rugby World Cup comes third after the Soccer World Cup and the Olympic Games. I doubt that the RL will ever reach this level. Rugby's loss of audience is only regional (Australia and New Zealand). In Europe and Japan, stadium attendances and TV audiences are breaking records. The Leinster - Northampton semi-final drew 80,000 spectators on Saturday.
well, you know, more like 11th, after 3 soccer tournaments, two different olympics, Wimbledon, the Superbowl, and the NBA finals.
but your point about the European club game is super valid, and links in to @Duluth point about the competition. It's got history, and most importantly prestige. Also fans and media don't seem to spend their entire time either badmouthing the comp or talking about it in terms of international hopes.
For all that though, is there any domestic rugby comp in the world that is sustainable? English clubs are falling over themselves to go under. French clubs appear to be backed up by owners. Same in Japan. Are the players just paid too damn much for what they actually bring in? (at club level i mean).
Sorry, just realised this is the Blues thread.
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Sotutu signed with the Blues until the end of the 2026 season
Hoskins Sotutu Re-signed till 2026 — Blues Rugby
Powerhouse No.8 and form player of DHL Super Rugby Pacific, Hoskins Sotutu, has extended his time at the Blues through to the end of the 2026 season. Sotutu, a pivotal figure in the Blues squad, has shown outstanding form throughout the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, solidifying his status as
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@mariner4life said in Blues 2024:
@cgrant said in Blues 2024:
In terms of TV audience, the Rugby World Cup comes third after the Soccer World Cup and the Olympic Games. I doubt that the RL will ever reach this level. Rugby's loss of audience is only regional (Australia and New Zealand). In Europe and Japan, stadium attendances and TV audiences are breaking records. The Leinster - Northampton semi-final drew 80,000 spectators on Saturday.
well, you know, more like 11th, after 3 soccer tournaments, two different olympics, Wimbledon, the Superbowl, and the NBA finals.
but your point about the European club game is super valid, and links in to @Duluth point about the competition. It's got history, and most importantly prestige. Also fans and media don't seem to spend their entire time either badmouthing the comp or talking about it in terms of international hopes.
For all that though, is there any domestic rugby comp in the world that is sustainable? English clubs are falling over themselves to go under. French clubs appear to be backed up by owners. Same in Japan. Are the players just paid too damn much for what they actually bring in? (at club level i mean).
Sorry, just realised this is the Blues thread.
French clubs are doing fine and not relying sugar daddies, their TV contact is big 550 million US for for years
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Toyota Verblitz did not make the semi finals so BB should be finished in Japan. Might be perfect timing with Sullivan likely gone for the rest of the comp. As good as Coles and Plummer have been depth and experience are always good.
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From that interview last week, players like BB can’t play in the finals and would require a dispensation to play in the regular season. He specifically referred to Barrett if I recall.
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@Duluth said in Blues 2024:
Do you break up the 9/10 partnership when Christie returns? Another close call
I suspect it will happen but it would be a mistake in my view. Funaki's error rate is miles lower than Chrstie's and he suits the way the Blues play.
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An interview with Forbes:
Emerging Blues star credits Scotland stint for growing through youthful impatience
Forbes returned to New Zealand in 2023 after two and half seasons in Scotland with the Glasgow Warriors. He’s proved to be a revelation.
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Not a good year to be injured. There is one or two spots in the back three to fill in the AB squad and Zarn has the required qualities for that. His big left foot could be used in order to get rid of the banana kicks for touch when penalties are given on the right side of the pitch.
