12 December 2010
WE NEED TO KEEP OURSELVES GROUNDED
I read a really nice and impassioned article tonight by Cameron Treloar, a former Tah and the only ARC winning captain (since we only had one season of the ARC .. given up on that debate!).
He's now playing in Italy and his thesis is that, while Rugby is probably only the 6th favourite sport in Italy, behind soccer, motor racing etc, and while they get tiny crowds, they can still put an Australian Rugby crowd to shame in terms of their passion. It was a good article, and if
you want to find it, you'll need to go looking for it, (but Twitter would be a good place to start - [editor please note: Twitter: http://bit.ly/hGrQrK)
He made a very good point that they don't have lots of security guards stopping kids from running onto the field at the end of the game, that players are encouraged to really interact with the crowd and drink in pubs after the game. Are we really that professional in Australia that we need to eschew all of that?
What are our points of difference from League, AFL, soccer etc?
I wonder whether we need to be selling ourselves as a professional game to the extent that we alienate the fan base. Should we persist with the notion that Rugby is entertainment, or is is truly a sport that all of its supporters can buy into?
His opening statement was: ....The very culture of how we support our teams, be it the Wallabies or a super 15 side, is sadly defined by one man… the guy in the tight black t-shirt with the clip board running the door at Cargo bar......"
He goes on to say: ........" The Australian Rugby public has only themselves to blame for this travesty. Australians go to the Rugby now to be entertained, as if it were a concert or a movie. If the entertainment doesn’t live up to expectations, the critics pan it and the crowds stay Away. We have it backward in Australia. We have come to rely on the something miraculous, something Quade Cooperish to spark us up....."
I don't think that you can argue with that logic.
Personally, these days , I prefer to stay at home and watch games on TV, because I know that there is not going to be much "after match" atmosphere at 10 pm when most people know that they have a bit of a drive ahead of them, can't really have too much to drink, and they are not likely to run into any of the players, anyway, who have had a long shower and meal in the shed and jumped on the bus back to the team hotel, either to go out on the town or get some well earned sleep. I'm too old for the Cargo Bar and there is no bloody way that i am going to stand in a queue, just to have a few beers after the footy, and pay through the nose for them!
The essence of going to the Rugby (at least to me) is getting back to the clubhouse, the boatraces, the tall tales, the catching up with mates - no way that's going to happen at the top level in the professional era.
I'm old enough to remember Test nights in Sydney and Brisbane at certain hotels (thanks, Buddha!) where most of the crowd and the players went back for a very late night/ early morning session. That was when you enjoyed being one of the fraternity. I suspect that, to do it these
days you have to get invited to the formal sessions that are run by the marketing guys or the sponsors. Most of us won't get to do that and we just have to "get on the bus and go home" after the game.
This is a bit of a rant but the theme is, I believe, reasonable .. and that is let's keep our feet on the ground and not get too far away from our roots.. what makes our game the wonderful creature that it is.
....and how are we going to encourage Aussie supporters to be more vocal, to out-sing the Welsh or the Poms, or anyone else, for that matter?
He's now playing in Italy and his thesis is that, while Rugby is probably only the 6th favourite sport in Italy, behind soccer, motor racing etc, and while they get tiny crowds, they can still put an Australian Rugby crowd to shame in terms of their passion. It was a good article, and if
you want to find it, you'll need to go looking for it, (but Twitter would be a good place to start - [editor please note: Twitter: http://bit.ly/hGrQrK)
He made a very good point that they don't have lots of security guards stopping kids from running onto the field at the end of the game, that players are encouraged to really interact with the crowd and drink in pubs after the game. Are we really that professional in Australia that we need to eschew all of that?
What are our points of difference from League, AFL, soccer etc?
I wonder whether we need to be selling ourselves as a professional game to the extent that we alienate the fan base. Should we persist with the notion that Rugby is entertainment, or is is truly a sport that all of its supporters can buy into?
His opening statement was: ....The very culture of how we support our teams, be it the Wallabies or a super 15 side, is sadly defined by one man… the guy in the tight black t-shirt with the clip board running the door at Cargo bar......"
He goes on to say: ........" The Australian Rugby public has only themselves to blame for this travesty. Australians go to the Rugby now to be entertained, as if it were a concert or a movie. If the entertainment doesn’t live up to expectations, the critics pan it and the crowds stay Away. We have it backward in Australia. We have come to rely on the something miraculous, something Quade Cooperish to spark us up....."
I don't think that you can argue with that logic.
Personally, these days , I prefer to stay at home and watch games on TV, because I know that there is not going to be much "after match" atmosphere at 10 pm when most people know that they have a bit of a drive ahead of them, can't really have too much to drink, and they are not likely to run into any of the players, anyway, who have had a long shower and meal in the shed and jumped on the bus back to the team hotel, either to go out on the town or get some well earned sleep. I'm too old for the Cargo Bar and there is no bloody way that i am going to stand in a queue, just to have a few beers after the footy, and pay through the nose for them!
The essence of going to the Rugby (at least to me) is getting back to the clubhouse, the boatraces, the tall tales, the catching up with mates - no way that's going to happen at the top level in the professional era.
I'm old enough to remember Test nights in Sydney and Brisbane at certain hotels (thanks, Buddha!) where most of the crowd and the players went back for a very late night/ early morning session. That was when you enjoyed being one of the fraternity. I suspect that, to do it these
days you have to get invited to the formal sessions that are run by the marketing guys or the sponsors. Most of us won't get to do that and we just have to "get on the bus and go home" after the game.
This is a bit of a rant but the theme is, I believe, reasonable .. and that is let's keep our feet on the ground and not get too far away from our roots.. what makes our game the wonderful creature that it is.
....and how are we going to encourage Aussie supporters to be more vocal, to out-sing the Welsh or the Poms, or anyone else, for that matter?
10 December 2010
I HAVE IT ON GOOD AUTHORITY THAT THIS IS FAIR DINKUM - WIKILEAKS COMES THROUGH AGAIN!!
GRATEFULLY REPRODUCED WITHOUT JAMES'S PERMISSION!!
IRB caught in WikiLeaks firing line
James Stafford
From: ESPN www.espnscrum.com
December 10, 2010
The fallout from the publication of hundreds of embarrassing emails, letters, notes and minutes belonging to the IRB and governing bodies, such as the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and French Rugby Federation (FFR), could lead to years of frosty international rugby diplomacy as nations come to terms with often blunt comments or accusations from rivals and supposed allies.
WikiLeaks have stood by the publication of all the documents claiming that the rugby world and its operations should be 'transparent and open'.
One rugby insider has claimed that some aggrieved unions have already made threats to withdraw from major tournaments such as the Six Nations or even the Rugby World Cup as a result of the WikiLeaks scandals.
Among the most damaging revelations is a top secret dossier from the IRB complaining that the 2011 World Cup should never have been awarded to New Zealand as the country 'wouldn't know a decent bloody draught beer if it came in from the wrong side of a ruck and trampled all over them'.
The statement, written by a senior IRB official, goes on to say that: "I can take the fact New Zealand doesn't really have enough big modern stadiums for a World Cup, I can accept that they may not have the infrastructure relating to transport and accommodation and I can accept the fact the ticket sales aren't going to be as big as in previous tournaments, but I can't accept the fact I won't be able to get a bloody decent draught beer for the four weeks I have to be at the tournament. We (the IRB) messed up big time on this one and I want heads to roll. We need to look at our whole World Cup bidding process and ensure this never happens again."
Another controversial secret missive from the IRB apparently warned various national unions to be on their guard when visiting Ireland over the coming few years. Due to the current dire economic situation in the Republic of Ireland the IRB feared that unnamed Irish rugby persons may choose to ply visiting guests with Guinness and whiskey and then 'indirectly drop hints about possible loans of equipment, kit and labour' to help cushion the financial impact of the economic crisis on Irish rugby.
"It is very possible," said the statement from the IRB, "that loans of tracksuits, shorts and electrical tape (for keeping players' socks up during matches) may not be returned, if at all, for many years. We urge unions and visiting kit/bag men to be vigilant." The IRFU are said to be seriously offended by the allegations.
Among other serious revelations made by WikiLeaks are the following:
Stade Francais players wrote series of letters 'begging with all their hearts' to be allowed to wear, for just one week, a set of kit that did not make them look like clowns/question their own masculinity.
RFU officials and the English media met with Vatican officials several times to try and get World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson made into fully fledged Catholic Saint before the 2011 World Cup. Merchandise sales and profits from associated Saint Jonny relics were to be split 50/50 between London and Rome if the deal was a success.
A Scottish plan to aim to score at least one try per game for the 2011 Six Nations was widely mocked by several unions in a series of circular emails as 'utterly unrealistic'.
Cardiff Blues are planning a shock move to the Millennium Stadium in 2012 due to problems coping with capacity at new ground Cardiff City Stadium. Emails from Blues' management have indicated the recent decision to abandon their historic city centre ground (which they rarely ever filled) to play in a soulless Lego-style stadium (which they never ever fill) was 'just not crazy enough'.
South Africa considered hiring an interpreter to speak 'for, on behalf and instead of' outspoken head coach Peter de Villiers at all matches, press conferences, public appearances and training sessions. One extreme memo indicates a plan by SARU to give de Villiers a significant bonus each year if he never ever spoke at all in public.
The IRB's referees boss Paddy O'Brien sent a series of emails to friends claiming the constant controversial law changes to rugby union in recent years were the result of a forfeit he had to perform after losing a drunken game of 'rock, paper, scissors' in a pub late one night.
Welsh Rugby Union officials refused The Victorian Society's request to classify Rodney Parade, home of the Newport Gwent Dragons, as a listed building and turn the ground into a 'living museum'. Apparently the WRU were initially happy to agree to the museum being created but then relented when talks broke down over the use (or lack of) the word 'Gwent' in the potential museum's name. Using 'Gwent' was deemed 'too political'.
Result of 2011 World Cup final leaked.
The IRB have produced a confidential memo on the WikiLeaks affair, which they expect to be leaked online next week, so that the wider public can read their response.
IRB caught in WikiLeaks firing line
James Stafford
From: ESPN www.espnscrum.com
December 10, 2010
The fallout from the publication of hundreds of embarrassing emails, letters, notes and minutes belonging to the IRB and governing bodies, such as the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and French Rugby Federation (FFR), could lead to years of frosty international rugby diplomacy as nations come to terms with often blunt comments or accusations from rivals and supposed allies.
WikiLeaks have stood by the publication of all the documents claiming that the rugby world and its operations should be 'transparent and open'.
One rugby insider has claimed that some aggrieved unions have already made threats to withdraw from major tournaments such as the Six Nations or even the Rugby World Cup as a result of the WikiLeaks scandals.
Among the most damaging revelations is a top secret dossier from the IRB complaining that the 2011 World Cup should never have been awarded to New Zealand as the country 'wouldn't know a decent bloody draught beer if it came in from the wrong side of a ruck and trampled all over them'.
The statement, written by a senior IRB official, goes on to say that: "I can take the fact New Zealand doesn't really have enough big modern stadiums for a World Cup, I can accept that they may not have the infrastructure relating to transport and accommodation and I can accept the fact the ticket sales aren't going to be as big as in previous tournaments, but I can't accept the fact I won't be able to get a bloody decent draught beer for the four weeks I have to be at the tournament. We (the IRB) messed up big time on this one and I want heads to roll. We need to look at our whole World Cup bidding process and ensure this never happens again."
Another controversial secret missive from the IRB apparently warned various national unions to be on their guard when visiting Ireland over the coming few years. Due to the current dire economic situation in the Republic of Ireland the IRB feared that unnamed Irish rugby persons may choose to ply visiting guests with Guinness and whiskey and then 'indirectly drop hints about possible loans of equipment, kit and labour' to help cushion the financial impact of the economic crisis on Irish rugby.
"It is very possible," said the statement from the IRB, "that loans of tracksuits, shorts and electrical tape (for keeping players' socks up during matches) may not be returned, if at all, for many years. We urge unions and visiting kit/bag men to be vigilant." The IRFU are said to be seriously offended by the allegations.
Among other serious revelations made by WikiLeaks are the following:
Stade Francais players wrote series of letters 'begging with all their hearts' to be allowed to wear, for just one week, a set of kit that did not make them look like clowns/question their own masculinity.
RFU officials and the English media met with Vatican officials several times to try and get World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson made into fully fledged Catholic Saint before the 2011 World Cup. Merchandise sales and profits from associated Saint Jonny relics were to be split 50/50 between London and Rome if the deal was a success.
A Scottish plan to aim to score at least one try per game for the 2011 Six Nations was widely mocked by several unions in a series of circular emails as 'utterly unrealistic'.
Cardiff Blues are planning a shock move to the Millennium Stadium in 2012 due to problems coping with capacity at new ground Cardiff City Stadium. Emails from Blues' management have indicated the recent decision to abandon their historic city centre ground (which they rarely ever filled) to play in a soulless Lego-style stadium (which they never ever fill) was 'just not crazy enough'.
South Africa considered hiring an interpreter to speak 'for, on behalf and instead of' outspoken head coach Peter de Villiers at all matches, press conferences, public appearances and training sessions. One extreme memo indicates a plan by SARU to give de Villiers a significant bonus each year if he never ever spoke at all in public.
The IRB's referees boss Paddy O'Brien sent a series of emails to friends claiming the constant controversial law changes to rugby union in recent years were the result of a forfeit he had to perform after losing a drunken game of 'rock, paper, scissors' in a pub late one night.
Welsh Rugby Union officials refused The Victorian Society's request to classify Rodney Parade, home of the Newport Gwent Dragons, as a listed building and turn the ground into a 'living museum'. Apparently the WRU were initially happy to agree to the museum being created but then relented when talks broke down over the use (or lack of) the word 'Gwent' in the potential museum's name. Using 'Gwent' was deemed 'too political'.
Result of 2011 World Cup final leaked.
The IRB have produced a confidential memo on the WikiLeaks affair, which they expect to be leaked online next week, so that the wider public can read their response.
9 December 2010
I'M OVERDUE FOR A BLOG - SO WHAT WILL THE WALLABIES SQUAD LOOK LIKE AT THE RWC?
Just when you thought we had a settled line-up after the Northern tour, it is worth speculating on those who couldn’t go for one reason or another, those who couldn’t be selected because they haven’t been seen yet, those coming back from injuries, those who will be next season’s “bolters.”
Once the Supe 15 season kicks off, all bets are off in regard to the last tour, though some like Cooper, Genia, O’Connor and Ashley-Cooper, Mitchell, to name a few, have definitely put a marker in the sand, as have Slipper and, Robinson, and probably McCalman.
But it’s a longer Super 15 season, there are lots more opportunities to impress, just as there are lots more opportunities for season-ending injuries before the RWC.
So it seems to me that the field is wide open.
Since Robbie Deans, himself, was quoted as saying “there are no Wallabies until the next squad is picked,” I thought that I would adopt the theme and categorise the next squad into Probables, Possibles and Bolters.
There are some old names on the bolters list, such as Mortlock, Waugh, Baxter, but you never know, a couple of strong performances, some injuries and they get a foot in the door.
You would back those guys to go all out and keep their noses in front of some of the rookies, and the World Cup year is not a time for blooding new rookies, unless one or two absolutely stand out.
I’ve also included some “league’ies” on the bolters list, such as Saffy, Rooney and Vuna, since they come across with pretty strong reputations. But they are up against it.
Here’s the list.
Probables:
Forwards
Props: Robinson, Alexander, Slipper,
Hookers: Polota-Nau, Moore, Faingaa
Locks: Sharpe, Vickerman, Chisholm, Horwill
Flankers: Higginbotham, Elsom, Brown, Pocock
No 8: Palu, McCalman
Backs:
Half back: Burgess, Genia
No 10: Barnes, Cooper
Centres: Ashley-Cooper, Giteau, Faingaa. Ioane
Wingers: O’Connor, MItchell, Turner, Morahan
Full-back: Beale, Hynes,
POSSIBLES:
Forwards
Props: Kepu, Henderson, Blake, Shepherdson
Hooker: Edmonds, Freier
Locks: Mumm, Chapman, Simmons, Kimlin, Humphries, Byrnes
Flankers: Salvi
No 8: Hoiles
Backs:
Half Backs: Phipps, Kingi
No 10: Toomua
Centres: Horne,
Wingers: Shepherd, Davies, Cummins, McCabe
POSSIBLE BOLTERS:
Forwards:
Props: Baxter, Palmer
Lock: Dennis
Flankers: Stubbs, Waugh, McCutcheon, Saffy
Backs:
Inside Backs: Karauria-Henry, Mortlock, Lealiifano, Vuna,
Outside backs: Chambers, Taumoepeau
Fullbacks: Gerrard, Huxley, Rooney
Once the Supe 15 season kicks off, all bets are off in regard to the last tour, though some like Cooper, Genia, O’Connor and Ashley-Cooper, Mitchell, to name a few, have definitely put a marker in the sand, as have Slipper and, Robinson, and probably McCalman.
But it’s a longer Super 15 season, there are lots more opportunities to impress, just as there are lots more opportunities for season-ending injuries before the RWC.
So it seems to me that the field is wide open.
Since Robbie Deans, himself, was quoted as saying “there are no Wallabies until the next squad is picked,” I thought that I would adopt the theme and categorise the next squad into Probables, Possibles and Bolters.
There are some old names on the bolters list, such as Mortlock, Waugh, Baxter, but you never know, a couple of strong performances, some injuries and they get a foot in the door.
You would back those guys to go all out and keep their noses in front of some of the rookies, and the World Cup year is not a time for blooding new rookies, unless one or two absolutely stand out.
I’ve also included some “league’ies” on the bolters list, such as Saffy, Rooney and Vuna, since they come across with pretty strong reputations. But they are up against it.
Here’s the list.
Probables:
Forwards
Props: Robinson, Alexander, Slipper,
Hookers: Polota-Nau, Moore, Faingaa
Locks: Sharpe, Vickerman, Chisholm, Horwill
Flankers: Higginbotham, Elsom, Brown, Pocock
No 8: Palu, McCalman
Backs:
Half back: Burgess, Genia
No 10: Barnes, Cooper
Centres: Ashley-Cooper, Giteau, Faingaa. Ioane
Wingers: O’Connor, MItchell, Turner, Morahan
Full-back: Beale, Hynes,
POSSIBLES:
Forwards
Props: Kepu, Henderson, Blake, Shepherdson
Hooker: Edmonds, Freier
Locks: Mumm, Chapman, Simmons, Kimlin, Humphries, Byrnes
Flankers: Salvi
No 8: Hoiles
Backs:
Half Backs: Phipps, Kingi
No 10: Toomua
Centres: Horne,
Wingers: Shepherd, Davies, Cummins, McCabe
POSSIBLE BOLTERS:
Forwards:
Props: Baxter, Palmer
Lock: Dennis
Flankers: Stubbs, Waugh, McCutcheon, Saffy
Backs:
Inside Backs: Karauria-Henry, Mortlock, Lealiifano, Vuna,
Outside backs: Chambers, Taumoepeau
Fullbacks: Gerrard, Huxley, Rooney
2 July 2009
LOTE! ..MATE! . WHAT HAPPENED?
What an amazing turn of events.
I think that the way this pans out will be quite interesting.
Whatever it is that Lote is alleged to have done, my uneducated guess is that John O'Neill sees an asset that is under-used, a very expensive one at that, and says....."let's cut it out of the inventory and save ourselves the mega bucks that my predecessor committed us to when we couldn't really afford it.."
Why?
It's a convenient time to do it, since all of the major footy codes (except Soccer, it seems) are running scared and trying to turn all of the players into choir boys, who are some sort of "role model" for .....who? Other choir boys, and violin players who don't play footy anyway?
I mean, if it's the mums who frighten those big, tough male administrators into this, why are they (the administrators) administering in the first place?
So, I think that Lote can become a hero out of all of this..Why? ...because now, if we believe everything that we read, he is taking the ARU on in the courts. He may well lose, on the facts and circumstances of his particular case, but this may well become a test case, especially with the media circling and ready to hop on the bandwagon of the bloke who has the best story, and who just may smell like a winner.
You see, I think that the media has backed itself into a corner where they have sensationalised every player misdemeanour and indiscretion to the point where everyone is running scared, so that the media might be almost have bitten the hands that feed them.....us, the public, the game(s) and their readership.
So, just maybe there are a few who are looking for an honourable "out" here and lo and behold, along comes John O'Neill and Lote.
You beauty! This might just be the way of getting things back on track.
How?
Well, it looks like Lote is fairly serious, otherwise the ARU would be huffing and puffing, but they are choosing to stay quiet, which means that their exorbitantly priced lawyers have advised them that Lote's exorbitantly priced lawyers are packing down with serious intent for a pushover try and, as far as Lote, the bloke (as opposed to Lote the figurehead) is concerned, this is bloody serious stuff. I mean, thanks to Gary Flowers, Lote can't earn what he would like to if he has to go back to the NRL, so he is forced to consider other possibilities.
As far as we, the great unwashed public, were concerned, as of two days ago, Lote's biggest problems were getting back into the Wallaby run-on squad and finding a matching pair of green and gold socks in the laundry basket.
Anyway, looks like this is the ticket. ARU, NRL and AFL players must have been waiting for someone to come along and take on the "employer".
How legal or proper are these sort of "3 strikes" clauses? How reasonable are they when tested against the employment norms or principles in other industries? How much of an influence on an employee's livelihood, should the "role model" issue be? Are these fair and reasonable restraints to place on employees? How far can an employer go when balancing the interests of the product against the interests of the employee? How long do you have to wait between "incidents" to justify giving someone the "flick"?
I'm no expert, but I reckon that these are some of the questions that will be asked and I think it's fair to ask them....and Lote's exorbitantly priced team will ask them, in spades, and more..!
The media must be salivating over this, which is ironic when you consider that the problem is one that they created. It's almost like the media has found the way to create perpetual motion.....create the problem then report on it ad nauseum....
In these troubled times (the "GFC") how many industries would love to be able to create a market and then exploit it to a hungry audience that they conditioned, in the first place? Pure genius.!
Lote, on a personal note, I wish you all the best.
You might be a bit of a tearaway, but that is what Rugby people understand and respect. You have never given anyone any concern about being involved in any funny business, sexually speaking and your greatest sins seem to be that you don't mind a late night drink (whoaa!!), when you have probably worked your guts out for a couple of days before playing a night game that finished around 9 pm..if we believed everything that the press tried to push on us, no Rugby bloke would be a drinker...imagine that?..there but for the grace of God.........(and the press!).
Talking of role models, blokes that play Rugby at the lower levels, the lower grades, the subbies, the bush players, the Services blokes, women, and many others might just hold you up as a role model whether you like a drink or not. We're not quite as judgmental as some would like people to believe....and those kids who everyone seems hell bent on protecting aren't as naive as some would think.
On a professional note, I hope that you push this to the limit and get some sanity back into the way that football players are treated. Dickheads need to be sanctioned, but not every footy player is a dickhead!
Of course, the irony in all of this is that you and the ARU will end up paying the legal costs and the press, as usuall will come out of it smelling of roses. However, we all know that the best roses are grown in the smelliest manure....I look forward to some well balanced reportage over the next couple of weeks, but I'm not holding my breath.. (anyway thats the best way to avoid the smell of the manure).
Hopefully, we'll see you back on the paddock (and hopefully playing Rugby) before too long. Better to be judged by the bloke with the whistle than the bloke in a funny wig!
Cheers,
Gatesy
I think that the way this pans out will be quite interesting.
Whatever it is that Lote is alleged to have done, my uneducated guess is that John O'Neill sees an asset that is under-used, a very expensive one at that, and says....."let's cut it out of the inventory and save ourselves the mega bucks that my predecessor committed us to when we couldn't really afford it.."
Why?
It's a convenient time to do it, since all of the major footy codes (except Soccer, it seems) are running scared and trying to turn all of the players into choir boys, who are some sort of "role model" for .....who? Other choir boys, and violin players who don't play footy anyway?
I mean, if it's the mums who frighten those big, tough male administrators into this, why are they (the administrators) administering in the first place?
So, I think that Lote can become a hero out of all of this..Why? ...because now, if we believe everything that we read, he is taking the ARU on in the courts. He may well lose, on the facts and circumstances of his particular case, but this may well become a test case, especially with the media circling and ready to hop on the bandwagon of the bloke who has the best story, and who just may smell like a winner.
You see, I think that the media has backed itself into a corner where they have sensationalised every player misdemeanour and indiscretion to the point where everyone is running scared, so that the media might be almost have bitten the hands that feed them.....us, the public, the game(s) and their readership.
So, just maybe there are a few who are looking for an honourable "out" here and lo and behold, along comes John O'Neill and Lote.
You beauty! This might just be the way of getting things back on track.
How?
Well, it looks like Lote is fairly serious, otherwise the ARU would be huffing and puffing, but they are choosing to stay quiet, which means that their exorbitantly priced lawyers have advised them that Lote's exorbitantly priced lawyers are packing down with serious intent for a pushover try and, as far as Lote, the bloke (as opposed to Lote the figurehead) is concerned, this is bloody serious stuff. I mean, thanks to Gary Flowers, Lote can't earn what he would like to if he has to go back to the NRL, so he is forced to consider other possibilities.
As far as we, the great unwashed public, were concerned, as of two days ago, Lote's biggest problems were getting back into the Wallaby run-on squad and finding a matching pair of green and gold socks in the laundry basket.
Anyway, looks like this is the ticket. ARU, NRL and AFL players must have been waiting for someone to come along and take on the "employer".
How legal or proper are these sort of "3 strikes" clauses? How reasonable are they when tested against the employment norms or principles in other industries? How much of an influence on an employee's livelihood, should the "role model" issue be? Are these fair and reasonable restraints to place on employees? How far can an employer go when balancing the interests of the product against the interests of the employee? How long do you have to wait between "incidents" to justify giving someone the "flick"?
I'm no expert, but I reckon that these are some of the questions that will be asked and I think it's fair to ask them....and Lote's exorbitantly priced team will ask them, in spades, and more..!
The media must be salivating over this, which is ironic when you consider that the problem is one that they created. It's almost like the media has found the way to create perpetual motion.....create the problem then report on it ad nauseum....
In these troubled times (the "GFC") how many industries would love to be able to create a market and then exploit it to a hungry audience that they conditioned, in the first place? Pure genius.!
Lote, on a personal note, I wish you all the best.
You might be a bit of a tearaway, but that is what Rugby people understand and respect. You have never given anyone any concern about being involved in any funny business, sexually speaking and your greatest sins seem to be that you don't mind a late night drink (whoaa!!), when you have probably worked your guts out for a couple of days before playing a night game that finished around 9 pm..if we believed everything that the press tried to push on us, no Rugby bloke would be a drinker...imagine that?..there but for the grace of God.........(and the press!).
Talking of role models, blokes that play Rugby at the lower levels, the lower grades, the subbies, the bush players, the Services blokes, women, and many others might just hold you up as a role model whether you like a drink or not. We're not quite as judgmental as some would like people to believe....and those kids who everyone seems hell bent on protecting aren't as naive as some would think.
On a professional note, I hope that you push this to the limit and get some sanity back into the way that football players are treated. Dickheads need to be sanctioned, but not every footy player is a dickhead!
Of course, the irony in all of this is that you and the ARU will end up paying the legal costs and the press, as usuall will come out of it smelling of roses. However, we all know that the best roses are grown in the smelliest manure....I look forward to some well balanced reportage over the next couple of weeks, but I'm not holding my breath.. (anyway thats the best way to avoid the smell of the manure).
Hopefully, we'll see you back on the paddock (and hopefully playing Rugby) before too long. Better to be judged by the bloke with the whistle than the bloke in a funny wig!
Cheers,
Gatesy
25 June 2009
BEEN AWAY
I haven't been blogging much over here lately, as I took on the job of webmaster for my school (Marist Canberra) Rugby site and we set up a whole new site.. you can check it out at www.maristrugby.com.au. It's turned out to be a lot of work, but quite rewarding, but it's about time to get back into it.
Well done the Brumbies on a great season and go the Wallabies.
I am very excited about some of the signings for next year - Gits is back, Rocky Elsom knows a good deal when he sees one and we haven't lost too many. Have it on good authority that Julian Salvi will be back in a couple of years after his Italian sojourn and ready to take over where George Smith leaves off, if and when George decides to call it a day. I think we are in for another golden era of Brumbies Rugby and I believe that Andy Friend is getting it right. See Green and Gold Rugby's article at http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/andy-friend-talks-all-things-brumbies-with-ggr/comment-page-1/#comment-8972
Looking back I made a couple of predictions early in the season. I said that the Brumbies could win the S14 if they made the 4. Wasn't too wide of the mark. I said that Matt Toomua would be a standout and he's getting there, so not bad all in all.
Test season is here and the Wallabies are shaping up well.
Will Lote make it? I reckon Robbie is toughening him up and making him hungry. He will feature at some time in the Tri Nations.
I think we are a definite chance for all of the silverware this year, but the Boks will be match hardened after the Lions, though they might be in a bit of a let down phase, after all the hype.
Now, if we could just win the 7's once in a while ........
Well done the Brumbies on a great season and go the Wallabies.
I am very excited about some of the signings for next year - Gits is back, Rocky Elsom knows a good deal when he sees one and we haven't lost too many. Have it on good authority that Julian Salvi will be back in a couple of years after his Italian sojourn and ready to take over where George Smith leaves off, if and when George decides to call it a day. I think we are in for another golden era of Brumbies Rugby and I believe that Andy Friend is getting it right. See Green and Gold Rugby's article at http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/andy-friend-talks-all-things-brumbies-with-ggr/comment-page-1/#comment-8972
Looking back I made a couple of predictions early in the season. I said that the Brumbies could win the S14 if they made the 4. Wasn't too wide of the mark. I said that Matt Toomua would be a standout and he's getting there, so not bad all in all.
Test season is here and the Wallabies are shaping up well.
Will Lote make it? I reckon Robbie is toughening him up and making him hungry. He will feature at some time in the Tri Nations.
I think we are a definite chance for all of the silverware this year, but the Boks will be match hardened after the Lions, though they might be in a bit of a let down phase, after all the hype.
Now, if we could just win the 7's once in a while ........
1 May 2009
I THINK THAT THIS GUY IS ONE OF THE BEST CENTRES IN OZ
...... and that is really saying something, given the talent that we currently have in our three quarters....Smith, Mortlock, Horne, Cross, Ioane, Hynes, Carter, Tahu , O'Connor, etc not to mention the guys on the fringe like Rathbone, Fairbanks, Turinui... however, revisit this site just before the next World Cup and see if I was right.. I will!
Tyrone Smith signs two-year extension to stay at Brumbies until 2011
May 01, 2009
Brumbies centre Tyrone Smith has signed with the Super 14 franchise for another two seasons, securing his services through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Smith, younger brother of Australia flanker George Smith, joined the Brumbies from UK Super League club Harlequins for the 2008 season.
He went on to play in every match before being named Australian Rookie of the Year.
This season, he has played in all 10 matches for the Brumbies, starting in seven at inside or outside centre.
The 25-year-old, who starts at outside centre against the Queensland Reds on Saturday, said he's pleased to remain with the Brumbies.
"I've really enjoyed my first two years at the Brumbies and I'm really looking forward to staying on until 2011,'' he said.
"The reason I came to the Brumbies was the chance to play with George at a club that would develop my game and play a good style of rugby."
Tyrone Smith signs two-year extension to stay at Brumbies until 2011
May 01, 2009
Brumbies centre Tyrone Smith has signed with the Super 14 franchise for another two seasons, securing his services through to the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Smith, younger brother of Australia flanker George Smith, joined the Brumbies from UK Super League club Harlequins for the 2008 season.
He went on to play in every match before being named Australian Rookie of the Year.
This season, he has played in all 10 matches for the Brumbies, starting in seven at inside or outside centre.
The 25-year-old, who starts at outside centre against the Queensland Reds on Saturday, said he's pleased to remain with the Brumbies.
"I've really enjoyed my first two years at the Brumbies and I'm really looking forward to staying on until 2011,'' he said.
"The reason I came to the Brumbies was the chance to play with George at a club that would develop my game and play a good style of rugby."
27 February 2009
HOW THE WORM TURNS!!.
15 years ago, we Rugger Buggers were still putting up with the headline.."Rugby Star defects to League...
"..I used to hate that, but I always sort of knew that one day the worm would turn....the boot would be on the other foot, so to speak.
However, many of those guys who 'went across" were blokes like Michael O'Connor, Wally Lewis, Ricky Stuart, who had all been junior league players, anyway. It's not like they had never played league..
But now, there is a big difference...not too many Rugby players have gone across to League in the last few years - Name One??!!
So, I really got a boost out of reading this article...Does anyone seriously believe that Benji would come back to RL, when, having played a season of Rugby, the All Blacks or one of the S14 franchises wouldn't be throwing out feelers, or the French or other Japanese Rugby Clubs?? Let's get serious here, RL is fast becoming the poor relation, and it can only get worse for them.. Yay!!! How good do us tragics feel about this?
February 27, 2009
Article from: The Australian
BENJI Marshall's quest to spend an off-season in Japanese rugby union gained impetus last night when one of the country's leading sports lawyers suggested he stood a good chance of launching successful legal action against the NRL.
Marshall and his management have raised the prospect of allowing his existing contract to lapse at the end of the season, the precursor to spending several months in Japan before returning to re-sign with Wests Tigers.
The move, which has the support of the Tigers, has been condemned by NRL chief executive David Gallop.
Gallop has previously stated Marshall would not be allowed to sign with an NRL club if he played rugby in Japan.
However, that stance could backfire on the NRL given leading sports lawyer John Mullins suggested Marshall had a good chance of successfully challenging any attempt to block him returning to rugby league.
"His contract is over," Mullins said. "There is no ongoing obligation to them (the Tigers and NRL).
"He is going somewhere else in the world, he's going to do something over there and he's going to get paid for it.
"Then he might or might not come back and hope to get a contract again to do something.
"It's hard to imagine how (banning Marshall) could possibly be lawful, particularly seeing his contract is over.
"What would be the basis for them to refuse to register him? That he had the temerity whilst he was off contract to work for somebody else?
"Surely that can't be lawful?"
The Tigers have been contacted by several lawyers offering to handle the case should they elect to challenge the NRL on Marshall's behalf.
The players' union has also give Marshall its backing.
"I think it would be completely different if the Tigers were releasing Marshall in the midst of his contract period," Mullins said. "That would be a different situation."
Gallop has compared the Marshall situation to an employee from Coke going to work for Pepsi for a few months. Mullins failed to see the logic in that argument.
"What's happening here in that analogy is your employee has quit his job at Coke, gone and got a job at Pepsi, and at some stage in the future he might come back to Coke wanting a job - and Coke might or might not give him a job," Mullins said. "What Coke is saying here is we may not let you work in the soft drink business if you go and work for Pepsi."
Legal action would have far-reaching ramifications for the NRL. If Marshall were to challenge the NRL successfully, it could open the floodgates for other players to follow his lead.
Players and managers across the NRL are already exploring their options in Japanese rugby. Cronulla sacked Fraser Anderson this week after the backrower announced he had negotiated a lucrative deal with Japanese club Kobe.
Although Anderson's manager Lance Thompson denied a deal had been struck, an announcement is expected today.
The Australian learned yesterday that Willie Mason - via his manager Greg Keenan - had asked the Sydney Roosters in the off-season for permission to investigate the prospect of a guest stint in Japan.
The Roosters, however, refused to grant Mason permission.
Mason is among a host of players being shopped around Japan. Brisbane star Karmichael Hunt and Melbourne fullback Billy Slater have also been mentioned as potential targets.
Japanese rugby has suddenly taken over from French rugby as the biggest threat to the code. The issue will be discussed at a meeting of club chief executives in Sydney next week, with Marshall's situation likely to be a focal point of that debate.
By then, Marshall's future could be decided. His manager, Martin Tauber, will hold further talks with the Tigers tomorrow, where it is expected the club will table a revised offer for the New Zealand international.
Should Marshall agree to a new contract today, any move to Japan would be off the table. However, should the Japanese offer come to fruition, and Marshall follow through on his threat to play there later this year, the NRL could create itself a headache.
Club bosses are far from unified in their approach to Japanese rugby.
What they do agree on is that the threat is nowhere near as bad as some have suggested.
"I don't think there's a threat," Cronulla chairman Barry Pierce said.
"I think they're just isolated cases at this stage."
Tigers chief executive Scott Longmuir warned the NRL was getting into dangerous areas by threatening to stop Marshall playing in Japan.
He said the issue needed to be discussed next week.
"All we're saying is let's make sure we take a good look at it," Longmuir said.
"..I used to hate that, but I always sort of knew that one day the worm would turn....the boot would be on the other foot, so to speak.
However, many of those guys who 'went across" were blokes like Michael O'Connor, Wally Lewis, Ricky Stuart, who had all been junior league players, anyway. It's not like they had never played league..
But now, there is a big difference...not too many Rugby players have gone across to League in the last few years - Name One??!!
So, I really got a boost out of reading this article...Does anyone seriously believe that Benji would come back to RL, when, having played a season of Rugby, the All Blacks or one of the S14 franchises wouldn't be throwing out feelers, or the French or other Japanese Rugby Clubs?? Let's get serious here, RL is fast becoming the poor relation, and it can only get worse for them.. Yay!!! How good do us tragics feel about this?
February 27, 2009
Article from: The Australian
BENJI Marshall's quest to spend an off-season in Japanese rugby union gained impetus last night when one of the country's leading sports lawyers suggested he stood a good chance of launching successful legal action against the NRL.
Marshall and his management have raised the prospect of allowing his existing contract to lapse at the end of the season, the precursor to spending several months in Japan before returning to re-sign with Wests Tigers.
The move, which has the support of the Tigers, has been condemned by NRL chief executive David Gallop.
Gallop has previously stated Marshall would not be allowed to sign with an NRL club if he played rugby in Japan.
However, that stance could backfire on the NRL given leading sports lawyer John Mullins suggested Marshall had a good chance of successfully challenging any attempt to block him returning to rugby league.
"His contract is over," Mullins said. "There is no ongoing obligation to them (the Tigers and NRL).
"He is going somewhere else in the world, he's going to do something over there and he's going to get paid for it.
"Then he might or might not come back and hope to get a contract again to do something.
"It's hard to imagine how (banning Marshall) could possibly be lawful, particularly seeing his contract is over.
"What would be the basis for them to refuse to register him? That he had the temerity whilst he was off contract to work for somebody else?
"Surely that can't be lawful?"
The Tigers have been contacted by several lawyers offering to handle the case should they elect to challenge the NRL on Marshall's behalf.
The players' union has also give Marshall its backing.
"I think it would be completely different if the Tigers were releasing Marshall in the midst of his contract period," Mullins said. "That would be a different situation."
Gallop has compared the Marshall situation to an employee from Coke going to work for Pepsi for a few months. Mullins failed to see the logic in that argument.
"What's happening here in that analogy is your employee has quit his job at Coke, gone and got a job at Pepsi, and at some stage in the future he might come back to Coke wanting a job - and Coke might or might not give him a job," Mullins said. "What Coke is saying here is we may not let you work in the soft drink business if you go and work for Pepsi."
Legal action would have far-reaching ramifications for the NRL. If Marshall were to challenge the NRL successfully, it could open the floodgates for other players to follow his lead.
Players and managers across the NRL are already exploring their options in Japanese rugby. Cronulla sacked Fraser Anderson this week after the backrower announced he had negotiated a lucrative deal with Japanese club Kobe.
Although Anderson's manager Lance Thompson denied a deal had been struck, an announcement is expected today.
The Australian learned yesterday that Willie Mason - via his manager Greg Keenan - had asked the Sydney Roosters in the off-season for permission to investigate the prospect of a guest stint in Japan.
The Roosters, however, refused to grant Mason permission.
Mason is among a host of players being shopped around Japan. Brisbane star Karmichael Hunt and Melbourne fullback Billy Slater have also been mentioned as potential targets.
Japanese rugby has suddenly taken over from French rugby as the biggest threat to the code. The issue will be discussed at a meeting of club chief executives in Sydney next week, with Marshall's situation likely to be a focal point of that debate.
By then, Marshall's future could be decided. His manager, Martin Tauber, will hold further talks with the Tigers tomorrow, where it is expected the club will table a revised offer for the New Zealand international.
Should Marshall agree to a new contract today, any move to Japan would be off the table. However, should the Japanese offer come to fruition, and Marshall follow through on his threat to play there later this year, the NRL could create itself a headache.
Club bosses are far from unified in their approach to Japanese rugby.
What they do agree on is that the threat is nowhere near as bad as some have suggested.
"I don't think there's a threat," Cronulla chairman Barry Pierce said.
"I think they're just isolated cases at this stage."
Tigers chief executive Scott Longmuir warned the NRL was getting into dangerous areas by threatening to stop Marshall playing in Japan.
He said the issue needed to be discussed next week.
"All we're saying is let's make sure we take a good look at it," Longmuir said.
RECORD TV AUDIENCE WILL BOOST THE OLYMPIC GAMES BID
From: "Inside the Games" - 27th February, 2009
Record TV audience will boost rugby sevens Olympic bid
FEBRUARY 24 - A RECORD worldwide television for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next month is set to give the sport's Olympic chances a major boost.
The event, featuring 24 men's international teams and which will include a 16-team women's tournament for the first time, will be screened in 140 countries by 25 international broadcasters.
There will be 380 hours of live, delayed and highlights coverage of the event due to be held March 5-7.
Bernard Lapasset, the president of the International Rugby Board (IRB), said: “Rugby Sevens continues to be a hit with television broadcasters around the world.
"Its unique blend of explosive action, world-class players and highly-competitive format packaged in matches of 14 minutes, has proven successful in reaching out to new young audiences, sponsors and broadcasters.
"Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 looks set to raise the bar once more.
“These record broadcast figures mean that more people than ever before will have the opportunity to experience Rugby Sevens at its thrilling and spectacular best, furthering the promotion of sevens to the world sporting community as the IRB reaches out for the inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympic Games.”
The previous television broadcast record was set at the 2005 tournament in Hong Kong where athe tournament was broadcast to 300 million homes worldwide, in 125 countries through 20 international broadcasters.
Record TV audience will boost rugby sevens Olympic bid
Record TV audience will boost rugby sevens Olympic bid
FEBRUARY 24 - A RECORD worldwide television for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next month is set to give the sport's Olympic chances a major boost.
The event, featuring 24 men's international teams and which will include a 16-team women's tournament for the first time, will be screened in 140 countries by 25 international broadcasters.
There will be 380 hours of live, delayed and highlights coverage of the event due to be held March 5-7.
Bernard Lapasset, the president of the International Rugby Board (IRB), said: “Rugby Sevens continues to be a hit with television broadcasters around the world.
"Its unique blend of explosive action, world-class players and highly-competitive format packaged in matches of 14 minutes, has proven successful in reaching out to new young audiences, sponsors and broadcasters.
"Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 looks set to raise the bar once more.
“These record broadcast figures mean that more people than ever before will have the opportunity to experience Rugby Sevens at its thrilling and spectacular best, furthering the promotion of sevens to the world sporting community as the IRB reaches out for the inclusion of rugby sevens in the Olympic Games.”
The previous television broadcast record was set at the 2005 tournament in Hong Kong where athe tournament was broadcast to 300 million homes worldwide, in 125 countries through 20 international broadcasters.
Record TV audience will boost rugby sevens Olympic bid
24 February 2009
Tokyo Wins Bedisloe Cup Race
From a US Perspective..
Tokyo has reportedly won the race to host the All Blacks and Wallabies in a fourth Bledisloe Cup match in Japan in September. Denver had recently jumped back into the running to host the match at Denver’s Mile High Stadiumwith an aggressive offer. Australian rugby boss John O’Neill’s view was the deciding factor in heading to Japan instead of America.
“Denver won’t happen this year. The NZRU were keen, so were USA Rugby and the International Rugby Board. Funding was in place but O’Neill preferred Tokyo,” USA Rugby boss Kevin Roberts told Auckland’s Sunday News.
The fourth Bledisloe content has become synonymous with money grubbing, so it was no surprise that O’Neill negotiated a larger fee from the Japanese than Denver’s representatives were offering.
The NZRU banked about $NZ4 million ($3 million US) from last year’s Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong and can expect to pull in at least $NZ5 million from their Tokyo jaunt. These sums hardly make the match a gesture intending to strengthen the game of rugby in a growing rugby nation.
Sentiments around the United States fall somewhere between relieved and disappointed with a little extra emphasis on relieved. Yes, it would have been great to host the All Blacks and Wallabies in a renowned NFL stadium. But, at the same time, the thought of filling the 80,000+ seat stadium almost seemed an impossible feat. In a time when the United States is starting to take baby steps forward in terms of hosting international events, the Bledisloe Cup match would have been the equivalent of putting a man on the moon about the same time the Wright Brothers were learning to fly.
Had the Denver Bledisloe Cup match went forward, a massive opportunity could have been siezed, but it would have also been hugely embarrassing for all parties if the stadium were half empty. Even the 40,000 fans to half fill Mile High Stadium would have been four times the number of fans on hand for the 2008 Churchill Cup Finals in Chicago.
At some point, it will happen though. New Zealand seems desperate to expand the All Blacks brand onto US soil. Wouldn’t it be a shame if the All Blacks brand took root in the United States before the Eagles did? It will be even worse if we find out that the NZRU is using their close ties to Kevin Roberts to make this a reality.
As for Denver, they must be congratulated for attempting such an aggressive feat in the name of rugby. The Denver Sports Commission is reportedly now interested in hosting the entire Churchill Cup using Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Infinity Park as the two venues for the tournament. The idea of hosting the entire tournament in a specified area has merit and may be neccessary for the tournament to continue operating in the current stressed economy.
Tokyo has reportedly won the race to host the All Blacks and Wallabies in a fourth Bledisloe Cup match in Japan in September. Denver had recently jumped back into the running to host the match at Denver’s Mile High Stadiumwith an aggressive offer. Australian rugby boss John O’Neill’s view was the deciding factor in heading to Japan instead of America.
“Denver won’t happen this year. The NZRU were keen, so were USA Rugby and the International Rugby Board. Funding was in place but O’Neill preferred Tokyo,” USA Rugby boss Kevin Roberts told Auckland’s Sunday News.
The fourth Bledisloe content has become synonymous with money grubbing, so it was no surprise that O’Neill negotiated a larger fee from the Japanese than Denver’s representatives were offering.
The NZRU banked about $NZ4 million ($3 million US) from last year’s Bledisloe Cup Test in Hong Kong and can expect to pull in at least $NZ5 million from their Tokyo jaunt. These sums hardly make the match a gesture intending to strengthen the game of rugby in a growing rugby nation.
Sentiments around the United States fall somewhere between relieved and disappointed with a little extra emphasis on relieved. Yes, it would have been great to host the All Blacks and Wallabies in a renowned NFL stadium. But, at the same time, the thought of filling the 80,000+ seat stadium almost seemed an impossible feat. In a time when the United States is starting to take baby steps forward in terms of hosting international events, the Bledisloe Cup match would have been the equivalent of putting a man on the moon about the same time the Wright Brothers were learning to fly.
Had the Denver Bledisloe Cup match went forward, a massive opportunity could have been siezed, but it would have also been hugely embarrassing for all parties if the stadium were half empty. Even the 40,000 fans to half fill Mile High Stadium would have been four times the number of fans on hand for the 2008 Churchill Cup Finals in Chicago.
At some point, it will happen though. New Zealand seems desperate to expand the All Blacks brand onto US soil. Wouldn’t it be a shame if the All Blacks brand took root in the United States before the Eagles did? It will be even worse if we find out that the NZRU is using their close ties to Kevin Roberts to make this a reality.
As for Denver, they must be congratulated for attempting such an aggressive feat in the name of rugby. The Denver Sports Commission is reportedly now interested in hosting the entire Churchill Cup using Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Infinity Park as the two venues for the tournament. The idea of hosting the entire tournament in a specified area has merit and may be neccessary for the tournament to continue operating in the current stressed economy.
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