The Gungahlin Eagles and the Tuggeranong Vikings in the 2023 John I Dent Cup Grand Fina: rugby in the ACT is bigger than the Brumbies. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
As so often is the case, the devil is in the detail. This is very evident when it comes to the uncertain nature of rugby in Australia.
Following the announcement last week that Rugby Australia would take over the Brumbies, there was some relief as it took away the uncertainty surrounding the Brumbies’ future, but some issues remain unresolved.
As the announcement was being made, there was a sense of relief in the first instance that the Brumbies would be staying in Canberra with the professional team controlled by Rugby Australia.
If crowd numbers drop at GIO, it’s unlikely Rugby Australia will bankroll the losses. Photo: Jayze Photography.
This year, the Brumbies played eight home games at GIO, including a quarter-final.
With the Rebels out of the picture, there will be potentially fewer Super Rugby fixtures in 2025, albeit with additional international fixtures.
The bigger issue is the potential for some Brumbies games to be moved away from Canberra to fill the rugby void in Melbourne.
With the British and Irish Lions touring next year and the 2027 World Cup, there is a strong possibility that the Victorian Government will chase some Super Rugby games in their jurisdiction to maintain interest in the code.
If Brumbies games are moved away from Canberra, it could force a renegotiation of the $1.7 million-a-year agreement with the ACT Government to play at GIO.
In Canberra, we are well versed in codes moving home games away to other places.
GWS plays three of their 11 home games at Manuka, and the Raiders will play a home game in Las Vegas next season.
If crowds don’t turn out at Canberra Stadium next year for Brumbies games, it could trigger a response from Rugby Australia as they would be less inclined to carry continual losses.
While questions remain about the professional program in Canberra, there are also concerns relating to the running of the local competition.
The community game will be governed by the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union.
But what about academy programs that have lifted the standard of the local competition in Canberra? There are also concerns about the potential to direct Brumbies players to play in the Sydney Shute Shield, given Rugby Australia controls both the Brumbies and the Waratahs.
I would imagine these questions are on the minds of many in clubland.
They will continue to be asked until there is complete certainty around how this new model will work.
Loading ...
