THE ARC COMPETITION IS FINISHED

[Thequeerone]

AUSTRALIAN RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP (ARC) TERMINATED

The Australian Rugby Union has decided to terminate the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC).

The ARU Board considered a thorough review of the 2007 tournament which revealed a $4.7 million loss for the ARU, more than $2 million over the budgeted investment.

Even allowing for cost cutting measures, forecasts for next year also suggested further losses of $3.3 million.

The ARU Board resolved that to continue with the ARC given the financial outlook – a cumulative loss of $8 million over two years – would be fiscally irresponsible.

“Strong leadership is paramount to the success of our game and, to that end, there are times when tough decisions need to be taken,” said ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll.

“Continuing with the ARC was considered by the Board to be an untenable financial risk for the ARU and Rugby as a whole.

“The Board noted that the ARC had achieved many of the player development goals including quality rugby for players, coaches and referees and an excellent opportunity to identify and trial talented players in higher level competition.

“They also noted the ARC was popular amongst its limited audience.”

Mr Carroll emphasised while the ARC would not continue in 2008, the ARU Board remained committed to improving the talent pathways for players and coaches, and expanding the game nationally.

“This decision should not be seen as a return to the pre-ARC status quo,” he said.

“In resolving the matter of ARC, the Board has directed ARU management to immediately commence in the New Year a full review of all professional rugby programs and funding arrangements involving national talent squads, Australia A, Sevens and grants for academies and premier rugby.

“While the format of ARC and the stakeholder investment strategy has proven to be flawed, the concept of an affordable high quality rugby competition remains a key strategy.”

Mr Carroll said the forthcoming review would be carried out in conjunction with member unions, senior clubs, the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) and other key stakeholders.

“We want to reach a full understanding and agreement on the most appropriate structure for the game in this country,” he said.

[Happy]

should never have tried to start it up in the same year as a world cup - people had too much going on, I think another 12 months would have seen a turn around!!

[eleypinkbit]

That's so short sighted - how many players have come into the spotlight through just one year of the competition. Where are they going to get that opportunity to play the same level of rugby now?

[Photog]

They new it was going to run at a loss for a year or so...what a Bl***y short-sighted attitude. It brought some terrific up 'n' coming player into the spot light.

Man...what a crying shame...

[Happy]

is it a problem if it runs at a wee loss, wouldn't the benefits of strengthening the national side outweight that loss ?

[Flamethrower]

should never have tried to start it up in the same year as a world cup - people had too much going on, I think another 12 months would have seen a turn around!!

My thoughts exactly.

[slomo]

a bit strange dave huges in todays west stated that the spirit will survive the cut.....

[slomo]

Spirit to survive ARU's attack on soaring costs....


http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ontentID=51361

[hopep]

That only show how out of touch The West is.
Well its obvious that the Syndey clubs, with their large 400 to 500 crowds are a much better draw card and revenue raiser for sponsors. They must be planning to lift the standard and put on a scinitilating display of progressive rugby on national television of the greatness of NSW club football. Thats a wonderful backward leap for rugby-kind.

[metro]

For Sale: 1 Limited Edition Perth Spirit Polo Shirt. Only worn 9 times. Mint Condition very few tear stains.

[jargan83]

Limited audience?? Thats a joke considering the publicity campaign. Alot of people wanted the ARC to die and it has. How many of those on the ARU board still have strong links to sydney clubs etc. ARU shoots itself in the foot with this decision

[Badger]

Almost all businesses when they start out run at a loss. It is a matter of growing your brand not throwing in the towel. Arrrrrrggghh it makes me so angry.

[shasta]

This is a body blow to The Force. The ARC concept could have been a vital part of the platform for recruiting, developing but most importantly keeping young recruits such as Sam Wykes, Keiran Longbottom and the like.

I know some here, especially FS, may be opposed but I think it will be necessary for RWA to reconsider parachuting some of these players into the Currie Cup & NZNPC.

[hopep]

Good point Shasta, but its a crying shame that to develop players, or keep them at a performance level in preperation for S14 or Wallaby selection we (in WA) will need to send them to ANOTHER COUNTRY as there is no suitable competition in Australia.

[KenyaQuin]