The Problem with Rugby

Australian rugby is in a downward spiral. Politics within the sport, and the general nature of the Union’s attitude as more a “boys club” rather than a sports union is killing the game. Has anyone noticed that none of the Australian Super 14 teams are close to the top four this year? I can give you one answer: In fighting. The closest Australian team to the top is the Western Force; newcomers to the competition, so infant that they haven’t had a chance to be corrupted by the disease that is the Australian Rugby Union. Which explains their rise to the top; that and a fantastic coach, something which all the other Australian teams don’t have… they have good coaches, but no-one in the league of John Mitchell.


Having said this though, Eddie Jones of the Reds is slowly (at a snail like pace) rebuilding the Reds after in-fighting and the clash of inflated egos systematically broke down the foundations of the club between 1998 and 2005. The mass exodus of players in 2005 to rival Australian clubs was the pinnacle of about 5 years of turmoil within the Reds ask key players such as Nathan Sharpe, Junior Pelesasa, Josh Valentine (list goes on) walked out on the club, leaving not only it’s roster crippled, but also it’s account books. Without key players who formed the core leadership team of the club, sponsors did not want to go near the Reds as they were seen to have no chance of winning. The problem lies at the heart of the club, with the prospect of playing for the Reds no longer attractive to good players.


Yet steps are being taken to secure the clubs future; even if a REAL future is about 10 years away. The club has taken on board Queensland Rail as it’s major sponsor, and although is currently last place on the Super 14 ladder for 2007, the future is looking brighter with each key signing. An average coach he may be, Eddie Jones gives added reasons for key players to join the side, having coached the National team for a number of years. Re-signing key players such as Hugh McMeniman, James Horwill and various other young, up and coming stars is laying the platform for this rebuilding. Recent signings of Wallaby Junior Digby Ioane and Leroy Houston gives light to his ability to coerce juniors into playing under him, forming key players

Give it about 10 years and the Reds SHOULD be another force in Provincial Rugby; provided they sort out problems in the board room… but that’s another story for another day from another magazine.