Aussie Pro Rugby
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No sign of Eddie on this 'thanks for your support' vid from the Wallabies -
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No sign of Eddie on this 'thanks for your support' vid from the Wallabies -
@Daffy-Jaffy oof. I'm picking he'll love that.
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Very Interesting thoughts from the French coach that was with the Wallabies at the RWC -
French coach Pierre-Henry Broncan, in charge of Australia's mauls and attacking rucks until the World Cup, reflects on the Wallabies' failure to progress beyond the group stage.
"On Sunday night, during Portugal-Fiji (24-23), Australia twice came within a point of qualification. How did you feel about that evening, when the Wallabies were finally eliminated?We were all together, the staff and the team, everyone. It was a great atmosphere. We knew we had very little chance of qualifying. The turning point for us came when the Portuguese took a 10-3 lead and immediately had another chance to score. Unfortunately, there was a turnover and, in the process, a Fiji try. There was still time, but at 17-3, it would have been complicated for the Fijians, who had lost the thread of the match and were finding it hard to impose their game.
How would you sum up this World Cup and this failure in the group phase?The team's youth didn't work at this World Cup. They didn't lack experience, they lacked collective experience. I think that, in four years' time, this team will be very competitive, provided we work much harder than the Australian players do in Super Rugby.
We've noticed that the players who play in France, Will Skelton and Richie Arnold, have a much stronger work ethic than the players who play in Australia.Why is that?
Because the Championship is good, there's the European Cup, and you have to train to play every weekend. In Super Rugby, you play a maximum of fifteen matches a year. There's very little continuity. Young Australians lack top-level matches. Super Rugby has lost a lot with the departure of the South Africans and Argentinians. The Championship has become poorer in both quality and quantity.
It will be up to Australian rugby to give Eddie Jones the ability to coach around forty players a year, which is what the French team did after a catastrophic World Cup in 2015. Then came the introduction of JIFFs and, with Fabien Galthié, forty players to prepare for international matches. 28 to 30 players blocked, banned from playing for their clubs during the Six Nations, and preparation intensified around the French team. Australia need to do the same if they are to perform well.
Does the lack of competitiveness in Super Rugby explain the lower quality of training for some players?They're not used to working under pressure, to being consistent in their precision and concentration. You can feel it. They're used to working at high intensity, so that's not the problem, but it's the precision that's lacking. Tactical sense, too. There are very few tacticians among the players. That's down to the youth of this team, the lack of collective experience and the absence of pressure in their Championship.
Despite this, can you see them being strong in four years' time?Absolutely. They have a very young average age, with a lot of players between 19 and 24. These players have enormous potential. If they train really hard, they'll become great players. The quality is there. There are also a few under-20s who are going to make the leap. We'll be taking stock until November in Australia. The crux of the matter will be the financial side. They have the British Lions tour in 2025 and the World Cup in 2027. It's a really interesting four-year project. They need to capitalize on that.
Is it difficult for such young players to bounce back from such a setback? We're thinking in particular of opener Carter Gordon, who completely missed out...On the contrary, it's a very good experience. That's what they need to build on, Carter Gordon first and foremost. He's got four years to work on his footwork and his shooting. Things he doesn't do, or at least hasn't done much of up to now. When you want to be an international No.10 for a big nation, shooting on goal isn't something you do "when I want", it's something you do all the time. It's something he needs to practice. He needs to establish himself at club level as the number 1 goal scorer, and train to get his footing at international level.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)When the World Cup kicked off, did you really want to go far, despite the fact that you were a forward-looking team?
Yes, but we lost the World Cup the week we lost (Taniela) Tupou and (Will) Skelton. Our scrum and forward pack were much weaker without them. We dominated the French scrum (in a warm-up match on August 27 at the Stade de France) because we had Tupou and Skelton. Before that, we had dominated the New Zealand scrum for the same reasons. Unfortunately, the Australian pool is not the French pool. These two players were not replaced by players with the same profile. If at least one of them had been present, I think we'd have beaten Fiji.
Two muscular injuries in the same week, on two different training sessions, is a very negative aspect of the preparation. Tupou and Skelton are heavy players. They need personalized physical preparation, and it's impossible to prepare them like the others. It was certainly badly managed, but that's easy to say afterwards. Skelton was our captain, the experienced player in the group, the one who had to balance out the youth. And Tupou is a force of nature. It's a shame.
With hindsight, how do you explain the humiliation suffered against Wales (40-6)?At half-time (16-6), I was convinced we were going to win that game. I thought we were in the game, that we were dominating this Welsh team physically. Unfortunately, I'm back to Australian education and Super Rugby: right at the start of the second half, we took a penalty that put us at -13. And the players let go. They're used to letting go.
In Top 14, there's the defensive bonus. You hang on to get back to within five points. That doesn't exist with them. They're not used to staying in the game. But 13 points is nothing! These players have a bad habit of giving up. It's unconscious. This state of mind has to change. And to do that, you have to be used to training harder, being under pressure and, tactically, having scenarios to play more often.
Eddie Jones crystallized all the criticism. How did you feel about it?
I found him very good within the group. He always gave the players and staff confidence, and was always positive when talking about improvement and work, even in the last week when we didn't have a match to play. Even with the coaches, many of whom came from XIII or Australian soccer, he was never critical of them. He supported them. I'm not saying he'll keep them, certainly he won't because he saw it wasn't working, it's not the same sport. But he's always been there. If Eddie stays, he'll make this Australian team a big one in 2027.
That's a big "if"...Yes, because it's going to depend on what they're able to put together. Eddie's a competitor. If he can't afford it, or if he feels it's going to go on as before, it'll be hard for him to stay. If he senses a real dynamic and a desire on the part of Australian rugby to create a high-performance environment, I think he'll be there.
Has the news that he's interviewed to become Japan's next coach disrupted the group?It didn't affect the group at all. Eddie, we know his relationship with Japan. His mother is Japanese and lives in Japan, as does his wife. He's a consultant or sports director at Suntory, one of Japan's biggest clubs, and has coached the national team. We know that the Japanese would really like to get Eddie Jones back in charge of the national team. But he's always been 100% committed to us. He works all the time, very early in the morning. He never gave up. He's always talked to the players about the future. It depends on what's going to happen. There's no time to lose. The French have had four years to build a group. They've been preparing for this World Cup for four years. Australia should take a leaf out of their book.
On a more personal note, how would you sum up this adventure?Nothing but positive things. I lived in Australia for five months, discovering a country and a culture. I had a wonderful time in Arnhem Land with the Aborigines. It's a protected area, you need permission to enter, it's forbidden to tourists. We spent two days among crocodiles and sharks. Eight-year-olds playing with snakes as if they were playing with a dog. Stories about aboriginal culture, a way of life... You're cut off from the world, you've got no signal. A unique experience.
And rugby, the Championship, matches in South Africa and New Zealand. A World Cup in France... Great times. In contact with Eddie, even if we didn't get any results, there were some very interesting things about the concept of training and group management. It makes me grow and gain more experience.What's next for you?
I'll be making a decision at the end of October, beginning of November. I've been offered a number of different things: going back to a club, a national team, continuing with Eddie Jones. I'll discuss it at home. So much the better, I'm not complaining, I have a choice."
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Aussie Rugby:
In Super Rugby, you play a maximum of fifteen matches a year. There's very little continuity.
I so agree with this. And I am pretty anti how much 'rest' our guys get, although in some cases the NH is too far the other way. I will, once again, call for 5 Oz, 2 PI, 8ish NZ SR teams in SR. A full proper season, with the NPC gone, which will level the playing field, but still keep a lot of pro players in SH. With all teams at a similar level the comp will be better, and will grow together - see URC improvements. At that level we could safely reintroduce Arg and Japan.
Ireland do just fine with one pro layer, and so can we all in the SH. Ideally we would have SA as well, all 6 if they want, but that ship has sailed
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It echos what some of us were saying in the structure thread. Too little elite rugby for our players.
And too many easy games in that elite rugby.Our structure is totally cooked
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@NTA https://super.rugby/superrugby/about-super-rugby/tournament-format/
Sure about that? Even so, there's still the points for losing by 7 or less, so I'm confused why he would say championship has it over super rugby in that regard. Or have I got it arse about face?
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And the NZRU has tied themselves to this sinking ship
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Aussie Rugby:
In Super Rugby, you play a maximum of fifteen matches a year. There's very little continuity.
I so agree with this. And I am pretty anti how much 'rest' our guys get, although in some cases the NH is too far the other way. I will, once again, call for 5 Oz, 2 PI, 8ish NZ SR teams in SR. A full proper season, with the NPC gone, which will level the playing field, but still keep a lot of pro players in SH. With all teams at a similar level the comp will be better, and will grow together - see URC improvements. At that level we could safely reintroduce Arg and Japan.
Ireland do just fine with one pro layer, and so can we all in the SH. Ideally we would have SA as well, all 6 if they want, but that ship has sailed
@Machpants said in Aussie Rugby:
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Aussie Rugby:
In Super Rugby, you play a maximum of fifteen matches a year. There's very little continuity.
I so agree with this. And I am pretty anti how much 'rest' our guys get, although in some cases the NH is too far the other way. I will, once again, call for 5 Oz, 2 PI, 8ish NZ SR teams in SR. A full proper season, with the NPC gone, which will level the playing field, but still keep a lot of pro players in SH. With all teams at a similar level the comp will be better, and will grow together - see URC improvements. At that level we could safely reintroduce Arg and Japan.
Ireland do just fine with one pro layer, and so can we all in the SH. Ideally we would have SA as well, all 6 if they want, but that ship has sailed
Sounds like a good plan. Does that mean Hawkes The Current Bay now gets to keep the Shield/s if they cut the NPC?
We are even willing to give half to ARU to put something in the cabinet.
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@Machpants said in Aussie Rugby:
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Aussie Rugby:
In Super Rugby, you play a maximum of fifteen matches a year. There's very little continuity.
I so agree with this. And I am pretty anti how much 'rest' our guys get, although in some cases the NH is too far the other way. I will, once again, call for 5 Oz, 2 PI, 8ish NZ SR teams in SR. A full proper season, with the NPC gone, which will level the playing field, but still keep a lot of pro players in SH. With all teams at a similar level the comp will be better, and will grow together - see URC improvements. At that level we could safely reintroduce Arg and Japan.
Ireland do just fine with one pro layer, and so can we all in the SH. Ideally we would have SA as well, all 6 if they want, but that ship has sailed
Sounds like a good plan. Does that mean Hawkes The Current Bay now gets to keep the Shield/s if they cut the NPC?
We are even willing to give half to ARU to put something in the cabinet.
@Magpie_in_aus said in Aussie Rugby:
@Machpants said in Aussie Rugby:
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Aussie Rugby:
In Super Rugby, you play a maximum of fifteen matches a year. There's very little continuity.
I so agree with this. And I am pretty anti how much 'rest' our guys get, although in some cases the NH is too far the other way. I will, once again, call for 5 Oz, 2 PI, 8ish NZ SR teams in SR. A full proper season, with the NPC gone, which will level the playing field, but still keep a lot of pro players in SH. With all teams at a similar level the comp will be better, and will grow together - see URC improvements. At that level we could safely reintroduce Arg and Japan.
Ireland do just fine with one pro layer, and so can we all in the SH. Ideally we would have SA as well, all 6 if they want, but that ship has sailed
Sounds like a good plan. Does that mean Hawkes The Current Bay now gets to keep the Shield/s if they cut the NPC?
We are even willing to give half to ARU to put something in the cabinet.
Nah, shield can be competed for at non pro level below
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I actually think that's what happened. He had a call with them, but it was a general chat about his future. Could he recommend coaching options? Could he coach the team? Is there anything else he could do?
So Eddie can truthfully say it wasn't a 'job interview' but it was a detailed chat about future employment.
@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby:
I actually think that's what happened. He had a call with them, but it was a general chat about his future. Could he recommend coaching options? Could he coach the team? Is there anything else he could do?
So Eddie can truthfully say it wasn't a 'job interview' but it was a detailed chat about future employment.
No discussions at all
Asked whether he was talking to Japanese officials about a return to the role he last held in 2015, Jones again denied any reports linking him to the role.
“I’ve had no discussion with them, mate,” he said.
None at all?
“That’s correct,” he said.
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... according to Eddie.
The same Eddie who had 'no discussions' with England six days before he was announced as their coach, walking out on the Stormers.
@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby:
... according to Eddie.
The same Eddie who had 'no discussions' with England six days before he was announced as their coach, walking out on the Stormers.
Yeah, I mean that previously it could be argued that he was omitting things, now he's either not talked to Japan or is a lying fluffybunny
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@mariner4life said in Aussie Rugby:
No QRU assistance. Yes we're at the end of the world.
Location is irrelevant. I'm a short drive from RA HQ in Sydney, a bit further to NSW Rugby HQ, and it is exactly the same.
Send a form off to the Tahs to ask for a player to turn up at training. Not even a "get fucked" in reply. Doesn't matter anyway as nobody would know who it is.
Get in touch with the 3 Development Officers in town about getting contacts with local rugby schools. Helpful suggestions via email. Nothing concrete.
Hassled one of the DOs until they said maybe we could host one of the High School gala days from our area at our ground (lesser private schools). Told him we'd sort it out, great playing surface, just give us a date and any requirements. Ready to take a day off in order to make it happen. Radio silence. Open FB to find one of the schools hosting it instead.
Why put in the effort?
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Wow these stories are staggering. Here in the south west of France we pay 50 euros per kid. Season is September till June. That covers insurance, kit, though we have team jerseys. Buses to any away matches and a snack for all the kids after training or match on Saturday. With what's left at the end of the year we have a day out for all the kids.
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I'm at a high school sevens comp and I'm astounded to see a guy in a QRU shirt here.
Maybe there is a DO up here@mariner4life said in Aussie Rugby:
I'm at a high school sevens comp and I'm astounded to see a guy in a QRU shirt here.
Maybe there is a DO up hereJunket
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Dear Members,
Thanks again for your ongoing support of our great game throughout ACT and Southern NSW. As a supporter, player, coach or administrator, we are grateful for the contribution that you make each day.
These are difficult times for Rugby fans. Following the Wallabies’ disappointing 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign and the ongoing media discussion about “centralisation”, we thought the time was right to update you on where we stand.
There is no question that Rugby in Australia needs to change. From juniors, schoolboy and schoolgirl to international rugby, we need to find a way to be more competitive. As state and territory unions we need to work together more effectively and to work closely with Rugby Australia.
The ACT and Southern NSW rugby union supports a “centralisation” model that includes a national player-contracting model, alignment of key high-performance staff, such as coaching, strength and conditioning, and medical as a part of one national system.
We see those all as necessary steps to align our efforts and achieve consistency and improvement on the field.
But there is a lot of fundamental detail to work through to get it right. We must establish what the most appropriate governance structures and financial modelling is to ensure long-term sustainability and success.
It is also essential that this system reflects the Australian landscape and recognises the strength of the state unions and the expertise they provide in their own environments. This has always been our point of difference.
What we don’t support is Rugby Australia’s takeover of our commercial and corporate functions and intellectual property. The Brumbies belong to the people of the ACT and Southern NSW.
We support Rugby Australia’s commitment to an independent, transparent and thorough review of the Wallabies 2023 season. This investigation is vital to identifying the best way forward for State Unions to align with the National Union.
Encouragingly, Rugby Australia has acknowledged the need for a more reliable and consistent funding model for Super Rugby clubs and State Unions. This funding is crucial to support and strengthen the national program, while boosting the delivery of vital pathways and grassroots initiatives.
We are grateful for the ongoing support of the ACT Government, our major sponsor Safeguard Global and The University of Canberra who has provided significant support in our time of need.
The ACT and Southern NSW region is a thriving rugby community with junior and senior players increasing by 4% to 7,108 in the 2023 season. We have achieved significant growth to female participation and pathways. We have also delivered a range of programs for schools and clubs including ‘Get into Rugby’ in primary schools which attracted 6,000 participants, Modified Rugby Programs, Touch 7s and 7’s tournaments. Our development activity in schools – predominantly in Government schools - delivers quality and inclusive rugby experiences to around 15,000 participants annually, inspiring participation across our region.
The John I Dent Cup is a genuine Premier Rugby competition. A proven launching pad for both players, coaches and administrators. The spirit and values of rugby are alive across the fields of the ACT and Southern NSW each weekend. Our ACT and Southern NSW Griffins are the best regional representative rugby team in the country. Our ACT Brumbies U19’s recently beat the NSW Waratahs U19’s and our Brumbies Women’s, Canberra Kestrels and Women’s Academy programs are going from strength to strength.
These programs are critical to sustaining and unlocking our next generation of players and strengthening an aligned national high-performance system.
Engaging with you, our stakeholders, is essential to our future success. We are delighted that you are a part of our evolving journey.
The Board of ACT & Southern NSW Rugby Union will always make decisions that are in the best interests of our players, staff, community clubs and participants and our devoted members and fans, while also considering what’s best for the game in Australia.
Kind Regards,
Phil Thomson (Chief Executive Officer) & Matt Nobbs (Chairman)
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@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby:
I actually think that's what happened. He had a call with them, but it was a general chat about his future. Could he recommend coaching options? Could he coach the team? Is there anything else he could do?
So Eddie can truthfully say it wasn't a 'job interview' but it was a detailed chat about future employment.
No discussions at all
Asked whether he was talking to Japanese officials about a return to the role he last held in 2015, Jones again denied any reports linking him to the role.
“I’ve had no discussion with them, mate,” he said.
None at all?
“That’s correct,” he said.
@Machpants said in Aussie Rugby:
@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby:
I actually think that's what happened. He had a call with them, but it was a general chat about his future. Could he recommend coaching options? Could he coach the team? Is there anything else he could do?
So Eddie can truthfully say it wasn't a 'job interview' but it was a detailed chat about future employment.
No discussions at all
Asked whether he was talking to Japanese officials about a return to the role he last held in 2015, Jones again denied any reports linking him to the role.
“I’ve had no discussion with them, mate,” he said.
None at all?
“That’s correct,” he said.
Perhaps Crowley is the target
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@Machpants said in Aussie Rugby:
@barbarian said in Aussie Rugby:
I actually think that's what happened. He had a call with them, but it was a general chat about his future. Could he recommend coaching options? Could he coach the team? Is there anything else he could do?
So Eddie can truthfully say it wasn't a 'job interview' but it was a detailed chat about future employment.
No discussions at all
Asked whether he was talking to Japanese officials about a return to the role he last held in 2015, Jones again denied any reports linking him to the role.
“I’ve had no discussion with them, mate,” he said.
None at all?
“That’s correct,” he said.
Perhaps Crowley is the target
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@NTA said in Aussie Rugby:
@MiketheSnow said in Aussie Rugby:
Perhaps Crowley is the target
already accustomed to losing...The sushi bit
But it appears that Eddie is gooooooooooooone
Crowley for OZ would be interesting
