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Monday 12th November 2007
A survey of all non Super 14 club players who competed in this year's inaugural Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) competition found that 97 per cent of the players involved in the inaugural competition wanted to play again next year.
In response to the findings Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) Chief Executive Officer Tony Dempsey has called for the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to throw its support behind the ARC.
"This competition has been a wonderful success," said Dempsey.
"The early signs indicate the ARC has achieved its stated objectives of fast tracking the development of Australia's next tier of player so as ultimately to make Australia more competitive on the international scene.
"If we are to regain our competitive status in world rugby this competition is a must as it will help to develop the next generation of Wallabies. It is imperative that Australian Rugby continue to sponsor and support this competition.
"The indications from fans and supporters alike are that this competition will grow in stature and profile over ensuing years," he added.
Feedback from the survey showed that there was a general consensus among the 95 players surveyed that the ARC had played a positive role in players' personal skill development.
96 per cent said they believed the standard of the ARC competition was higher than the standard of club rugby played immediately prior to the start of the competition.
These players further felt that ARC assisted in bridging the gap between the two levels of competition significantly, while 82 per cent of players described the role ARC played in developing their skills as excellent or good.
99 per cent of players surveyed are of the opinion there is a gap in the standard of play between club rugby and Super 14.
The ARC's eight teams tried out new Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) throughout the tournament and matches were played over a series of eight rounds culminating with a finals series to decide the winner of the competition - the Central Coast Rays were crowned as the inaugural ARC champions.
100 per cent of Australia's full time professional players are members of RUPA.
(Planet-Rugby)
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Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
Originally Posted by Flamethrower
CHEERLEADERS ROCK!!! 
