So we're now looking to improve the breeding stocks by retaining retirees and breed a better Force???
That IS a long term strategy!!!
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So we're now looking to improve the breeding stocks by retaining retirees and breed a better Force???
That IS a long term strategy!!!
It's not a big survey.....................
Of the 242 players who have played Super Rugby for the WF only 11 non-WA players have remained in Perth (~5% of total).
Most of the non-WA players came to Perth to be part of a new franchise and/or higher match payments, more game time, extend career, new challenge, etc.
Of the 11 who have remained in Perth:
- 6 are capped Test players (Brown, Grant, Hodgson, Holmes, Lance, Thrush)
- 6 have taken up coaching positions (Brown, Heiberg, Hodgson, Holmes, Pelesasa, Thrush)
- 4 married locals (Hodgson, Lance, Pelesasa, Stander)
- 3 migrated from South Africa (Grant, Heiberg, Stander)
- 2 have Stan/YouTube commentary positions (Lance, Tessmann)
- 2 still playing Club Rugby (Placid and Grant, Hodgson & Pelesasa occasionally)
1 ex-Coach has established a successful business consultancy (Foley).
The WF recruiting team is well aware of the non-game related challenges of attracting players to Perth.
The sure-fired recipe for attracting players includes culture, program and success.
Currently 2 out of 3 are in place - the 3rd will follow.
Being constrained by the same salary cap as the other Aussie franchises is a challenge - but another issue.
The extra travel and isolation is not for everyone.
WA/Perth has been home for this Victorian for >40 years.
Great location, climate and place to raise a family.
PS A draft system will never happen.
The 5 Aussie franchises could be equalised by equally distributing the Wallaby top-up between franchises.
But that too will/may never happen.
16 June 2023: Updated with corrections as provided below.
An interesting second survey would be of those locals who have chosen to have departed.