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The old business driver “let’s look outside the box “ is needed now for rugby to move forward in this country. This article will attempt to start a discussion with a proposal to expand the game in Australia with the added benefit of doing the same for Japan and possibly New Zealand and Argentina.
Debate is constant in Australia – should we select overseas-based players? Is Super Rugby good or bad for the game? How do we develop the game and how do we grow our financial base?
This proposal is not a silver bullet to solve the problems of the world but a starting point to move forward. To resolve these issues is something I believe all Roarers and indeed rugby supporters in general really want to see happen.
The proposal: How Japan can help Australian rugby
A Japanese club team should be added to the Australian Super Rugby group which would benefit both Japan and dispense with the bye. Japan would manage what that team would look like, perhaps an existing franchise or a new franchise.
Japan should be added to the Rugby Championship. The timezone friendliness would be very attractive in Japan, Australia and New Zealand for both the viewing public and potential broadcast arrangements; in other words, the dollars. Japanese TV rights could be a significant win for both Australia and our existing Super Rugby and Rugby Championship partners.
Samu Kerevi. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
In return for being added to the Super Rugby and Rugby Championships, Japan would agree to release Australian-qualified players to the Wallabies to the same extent the Australian provinces are required to provide their players. This would include training camps, home internationals and autumn tours.
Wallabies selectors should treat a player plying his trade in Japan in exactly the same way as if he were playing for one of the Australian Super Rugby clubs. Australian players would then be able to play in Japan and earn the dollars they need to support their families while still being able to represent the Wallabies. Assuming we would see a number of players take up contracts in Japan, RA and the Super Rugby franchises would be able to develop a broader base of players from which to select.
Rugby Australia could even encourage some players to take up short-term contracts or sabbaticals in Japan for up to say two years. While beneficial to the players it could also have a major financial benefit to RA. Imagine being able to offload one of our stars and therefore recover their salary for a year or two while retaining them for Wallaby selection.
It would allow RA to redirect the player’s salary to junior development or the recruitment/retention of up-and-coming players or groups of players.
Off the back of this, RA could be in a position to discourage a lot of players from going to Europe and a place of major concern for the future, America. This could take the form of the players in those competitions not being eligible for the Wallabies. Dispensation could be provided to those already committed overseas such as Will Skelton.
Will Skelton. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
How to make it happen
Naturally, there would be significant negotiations required with Japan, New Zealand, Argentina and all other stakeholders, particularly potential media partners. However, this proposal attempts to provide enough wins for all stakeholders to at least talk around the table. With the right attitude of looking for advantages for the broader rugby community, the success of the proposal can be achieved.
Roar editor Christy Doran made the trip to Seattle with VisitSeattle.org, diving into the city’s electric sports vibe, outdoor adventures, and renowned food scene. Click here for his latest adventure in the Emerald City.
While negotiations could mean at least some minor change, the basis of the proposal could certainly be acceptable to the stakeholders.
RA could potentially use a negotiator to navigate the process, perhaps someone who has a very strong rugby background but is also capable of handling the political manoeuvring required. My last shock, if you haven’t worked it out yet, is to call on a former Wallaby captain and an all-time great who is currently demonstrating the skills required – David Pocock!
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