Rugby Australia must be learning that centralisation means taking on the problems of the franchises,not magically making them disappear.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh says the search for a new Waratahs coach will be fast,but thorough.
The change of tack could signal a major development in the negotiations between the consortium attempting to rescue the Melbourne Rebels and the sport’s governing body.
Uncertain whether they will exist in 2025,the Melbourne Rebels may be running out at AAMI Park for the last time on Friday. But they have much to play for.
Harry Wilson’s surge back into the Wallabies frame has been dealt a major blow after the Queensland star suffered a potentially season-ending broken arm in a gritty win over the Rebels.
Australian rugby has plenty of issues,but as the Rebels’ shambles shows,many have been self-inflicted.
The prospect of the Rebels closing and Wallabies No.10 Carter Gordon moving to NSW was a factor in Will Harrison electing to move offshore.
A World Cup player has flown from Melbourne to help the injury-plagued Waratahs,but there is more trouble for Max Jorgensen.
Serious questions must be asked about the Waratahs’ effort in their heavy defeat to the Hurricanes,while Test coach Joe Schmidt will have been delighted at the Reds’ win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.
A private equity-backed consortium won a vote on their plan to save the debt-laden Super Rugby club,as players,staff and the coach struggle with the impact.
Rugby officials have been warned the Victorian government expects an elite rugby union team to play in the state,with the future of the Melbourne Rebels to be decided on Friday as ministers weigh up a bid to stage the 2027 Rugby World Cup final.