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I can't remember where I saw it, or maybe I read it. But the next Broadcast deal for SuperRugby Pacifica is going to likely be a pay cut.
I'd like to think that we would agree that Australian Rugby really can't afford a reduction to the money that the Super Teams have to pay the players.
For a long time, the early iterations of the Super Rugby Competition were considered the greatest provincial rugby competition in the world.
If our competition improves. Gets back to being the best in the world. Then surely that is worth more when it comes to Broadcast rights.
We need to face some home truths. Rugby Union is no longer a sport. Its in the Entertainment Industry. We arent competing against AFL, NRL, A-League, NFL, NBA, Formula 1, NASCAR etc etc etc. We are also competing against Married at First Sight, The Bachelor and Re-Runs of Faulty Towers and re-runs of The Big Bang Theory.
We need to make changes. To make our sport - or maybe we need to refer to it as our product. To make it enjoyable. Sustainable in the 21 Century.
What Changes?
How about a 40 second timer for the TMO. If a decision cant be made in that time. Move on.
Bring back the 9pt try from Global Rapid Rugby. For Tries where play is initiated in the opposition 22.
This is a good start, but I think we will need to take this a step further.
I am about to suggest something that might be considered out of left field. They could also be considered a bit of a stretch.
I am suggesting that all the interested parties work together. All the teams. the Unions (RA, NZRU, FRU (Fiji) and Samoa Rugby) Also the Referees and the Broadcasters and Commentary team and Producers of Content. along with Reporters and Editors.
In no way Am I suggesting that the winners/losers are decided. This is not professional wrestling.
What I am suggesting is that Teams concentrate on attack - rather then Defense. That 5 Metre Lineout to a rolling maul to have the Hooker score is phased out to be be replaced by the Winger running 49 Metres and stepping 4 defenders to score under the black dot.
If the play is exciting. Players want to play. We might stop some players moving overseas.
If the play is fun. People want to watch. More bums on seats. More people connecting to Stan
The Referees are an important part. They need to let the players play. They are an import part of the product.
The Teams need to recruit Social media squads. Putting up 30 second video clips of great tries or thumping tackles.
Players need to be rewarded by their teams and the Competition for best tackles or spectacular tries.
If all the parties are on the same page. Have the Competition as the centre of attention. We might come out of this on top.