:::ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR RATS AS NRC TEAMS ANNOUNCED:::
The National Rugby Championship (NRC) is a step closer to its August launch with the ARU today announcing the nine teams who will compete in the inaugural domestic competition later this year.
In what is being tipped as a major step towards developing a much vaunted third tier in Australian rugby, the competition will include two teams from QLD, four from NSW and one each from ACT, WA and Victoria.
But in an interesting twist, two key Sydney premiership clubs – Randwick and Eastern Suburbs – appear to have been unsuccessful in their bid after failing to be listed in any of the four NSW consortiums. At least for now.
The teams confirmed to compete in the inaugural 2014 season are:
• Brisbane City (QLD Rugby Union/QLD Reds)
• Queensland Country (QLD Rugby Union/QLD Reds)
• North Harbour Rays (Manly, Warringah, Gordon, Norths)
• Sydney Stars (Sydney University and Balmain)
• Greater Sydney Rams (West Harbour, Penrith, Parramatta, Eastwood and Southern Districts)
• NSW Country
• University of Canberra Vikings (ACT Rugby/Brumbies, University of Canberra and Tuggeranong Vikings)
• Melbourne Rising (Vic Rugby Union/Melbourne Rebels)
• Perth Spirit (Rugby WA/Western Force)
Eleven tenders were received and the unsuccessful tenderers have been advised they will be considered for inclusion as the competition matures.
Exactly where this leaves Randwick and Easts remains to be seen. Rumours late last week suggested both clubs were in merger talks with NSW Country to create a powerhouse side that would have the widest supporter base of any of the NSW consortiums in the tournament. Clarification of the outcome of those talks is expected in days.
NRC submissions were assessed on a range of factors including financial capacity; venue facilities and infrastructure; professional team staffing structure and environment; commitment to player development; links to Super Rugby clubs; and current or potential fan base.
In considering the tenders, the NRC Commission called for opinions from specialist advisers, including Qantas Wallabies Coach Ewen McKenzie. Commenting on the announcement today, ARU CEO Bill Pulver said he was excited about the progress of the NRC process to date.
“We have been very impressed with the quality of all the tenders and grateful for the efforts of all involved. Our vision for the future of the NRC involved expansion of the number of teams involved in the coming years and we look forward to welcoming new teams into the competition as soon as 2015."
“The National Rugby Championship is an important strategic development for the growth of Rugby in Australia,” said Pulver. “For Rugby fans it will provide an opportunity to engage with an elite Rugby competition during the second half of the year, once the Super Rugby competition is completed."
Pulver also outlined a new approach to re-engage fans of the game that he claims will contribute to making the game more innovative and exciting.
“Consistent with our commitment to continually enhance the entertainment experience from Rugby, the ARU plans to launch a social media competition inviting Rugby fans to suggest law changes and match day innovations that could form part of this new competition." The jury is still out on that one.
But Pulver quickly pointed out, “For players it represents the missing link in their development pathway towards Super Rugby and ultimately Wallaby selection. It will also support the ARU’s objective to create additional compelling content for broadcasters with a quality local competition to rival New Zealand’s ITM Cup and South Africa’s Currie Cup."
FoxSports will outlay $1.5 million to broadcast the NRC and the tournament is expected to give the ARU more bargaining power when the next television rights deal is negotiated next year, given they are providing extra content. At least one match per round is expected to be broadcast live on FoxSports.
For the cash-strapped ARU, a successful launch of the NRC is seen as absolutely crucial to the financial future of the game – and the governing body itself. Despite clubs and rugby officials voicing their differences over the structure – not to mention legitimate concerns about financing the competition – it seems Pulver's determination to launch the NRC in 2014 has finally persuaded many to jump on board, albeit with some reservations.
The competition will run for 11 weeks and include eight preliminary rounds, with each team playing four home and four away games, one bye week and finishing with semi-finals and finals.
All Super Rugby players will be required to play in the National Rugby Championship, with a quota system in place to ensure each of the nine teams have a mixture of Super Rugby players and the best up and coming players from their local club competitions.
In addition, each member of the Qantas Wallabies squad will be allocated across the nine teams and will play if they become available.
The NRC is currently scheduled to kick off in late August following the State Premier Rugby Competitions – including the 2014 Magners Shute Shield – and will run until the beginning of November.
We will keep you updated as to the NRCs progress and WARRINGAH's involvement, in particular RATS players that make selection for the NRC's North Harbour Rays team.
CARN THE RATS – CELEBRATING 50 YERS IN 2014!!!
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