“From our perspective we do believe there is a requirement for a new direction and are working hard with Rugby Australia on the steps to make rugby in NSW and Australia stronger.”
Sources with knowledge of the situation,who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential negotiations,said NSW Rugby’s perilous financial situation played a significant role in the decision to join forces with RA.
Maya Stewart is congratulated for scoring try for the Waratahs.Credit:Getty
The Brumbies are in a similar financial situation,and Brumbies chairman Matt Nobbs slammed RA last week for the “appalling” way in which the governing body was attempting to use that vulnerability to take full control of the Brumbies.
Nobbs said it was RA’s 30 per cent reduction in annual funding that had left them in the red,but the Brumbies are determined to retain control of their business.
It isn’t a factor that NSW Rugby has to worry about but many in Canberra are fearful if the Brumbies hand over full control - including branding - to RA,the club could be relocated in the future.
Sources with knowledge of the situation,who spoke on condition of anonymity due to confidential negotiations,said the Brumbies had proposed alternatives for professional co-operation,but RA is still playing hard ball and pushing for full control. Via lawyers,the governing body this week demanded the Brumbies prove their solvency.
The Brumbies’ Tom Wright takes on the defence against Moana Pasifika.Credit:Getty
The Melbourne Rebels are expected to follow in NSW’s footsteps and fold in with RA,and the Western Force are also supportive but have unique considerations,with private ownership.
Queensland Rugby are considered highly unlikely to hand over full control to RA,however. Financially,the QRU are the strongest performing union,and have posted multimillion-dollar profits for the last few years.
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In the press release issued by RA about the “strategic re-set” in August,QRU chairman Brett Clark issued the most cautious quotes of all his peers.
“There is a lot of detail to work through,and we are supportive to start on what the model will look like in Queensland and how we can contribute to ensure sustained success on-field at all levels,” Clark said.
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