OTG’s Post

In today's read Michele van Rooyen discusses what analysis can bring to rugby, difference between analysing 7s and 15s and why, above all, knowing the why and developing relationships matter https://lnkd.in/eXMdmzzk

Off topic, but for Australian Rugby enthusiasts, the following revised Sydney/NSW Schoolboy competition proposal for 2025 provides an example of how institutions can change, this proposal must have Sydney/NSW Schoolboy Rugby and the future improvement of Rugby in Australia at its core - a great step in the right direction for Rugby in Australia https://lnkd.in/g-nZBa5J

During the 2023 Rugby World Cup, I stumbled upon a clip (https://lnkd.in/gk9ZJ2_u) featuring rugby coach Warren Gatland. In it, he extols the virtue of being 'the best at everything that requires no talent' in the rugby game. This includes getting-off the ground quickly, chasing the kick, and getting back on defence - all of which only require effort, not talent. Listening to him made me think that by being the best at these tasks, all of us have the makings of a world-class rugby player. This is even if the flashier rugby skills of (say) side-steps and offloads are beyond us. This made me think of how a good piece of oral advocacy is similarly built on the back of being 'the best at everything that requires no talent'. Whether it is in rolling up our sleeves to draw-up a chronology of events, writing out a question tree for cross-examination, or in researching the legal test that the client's claim must meet. If we take the effort to carry out these tasks, all of us have the makings of a good advocate. This is even if the silkier advocacy skills of (say) having a quick wit for a good come-back is beyond us.

We do what we do best. When everyone talks we play the game. Simple

Excited to launch Australian Rugby’s strategy for 2025 - 2029 yesterday. Australian Rugby’s “From Green To Gold” strategy towards 2029 - formed in collaboration with stakeholders across the game including member unions, Super Rugby clubs and the Rugby Union Players’ Association - features three key pillars: performance excellence, participation growth and promotion effectiveness. Performance excellence: To consistently build winning teams in Gold, connecting and inspiring Australians and our rugby community. Participation growth: To increase support for clubs, schools, coaches and match officials to enable growth in participation and strengthen the rugby community. Promotion effectiveness: To leverage major events and engage bigger audiences across platforms increasing visibility, support and interest in rugby and driving commercial value.

What would happen if rugby unions had to be ranked with both men's and women's rugby teams involved? Check out the full episode in the link in the bio or below

THE RUGBY SPECTATOR - a feast of International rugby in 2024 Apr 9 With the European club rugby scene drawing to a close, rugby spectators in the northern hemisphere might think there will a quiet. and thus boring “off season” looming. But, as the world community of rugby strives to make the game more accessible, more widespread and competitive, fans can look forward to a lot of great matches in the upcoming summer and autumn International Series. Note that the southern and northern hemisphere teams have off-seasons during their opposite numbers’ regular season, so as a result, the northern countries travel (south) in their summer, and the southern countries go north in theirs. All of the major international teams will be in action between June and November with the addition of some 2nd level countries who are very keen to enter the top ranks of world rugby. So for the fans who can actually attend or have access to streaming services, the following countries will be in action: South Africa; New Zealand; England; Argentina; Ireland; Fiji; Australia; Scotland; France; Japan; plus Georgia; the USA; Portugal; Chile and Uruguay. The Home teams have the following schedules: South Africa - July 6 vs. IRE; July 13 vs. IRE; July 20 vs. Portugal; August 31 vs. NZAB; September 7 vs. NZAB New Zealand - July 6 vs. ENG; July 13 vs. ENG; August 10 vs. ARG; August 17 vs. ARG; September 28 vs. AUS England - (June 22 hosting WAL vs RSA in London); November 2 vs. NZAB; November 9 vs. AUS; November 16 vs. RSA; November 24 vs. JPN Argentina - July 5 vs. FRA; July 12 vs. FRA; August 30 vs. AUS; September 6 vs. AUS; September 20 vs. RSA Ireland - November 8 vs. NZAB; November 15 vs. ARG; November 23 vs. FIJI; November 30 vs. AUS Australia - July 6 vs. WAL; July 13 vs. WAL; July 20 vs. Georgia; August 10 vs. RSA; August 17 vs. RSA; September 21 vs. NZAB Scotland - November 2 vs. FIJI; November 10 vs. RSA; November 16 vs. Portugal France - November 10 vs. JPN; November 16 vs. NZAB; November 23 vs. ARG Japan - June 22 vs. ENG; July 13 vs. Georgia; July 21 vs. Italy; October 26 vs. NZAB USA - July 5 vs. Romania; July 12 vs. SCO; (July 19 hosting NZAB vs. FIJI); August 31 vs. Canada. Other Matches; Scotland play Canada in Ottawa, July 6; Chile in Santiago, July20; and Uruguay in Montevideo, July 27. The Barbarians will play FIJI in London on June 22, and WAL play the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on July 19. Most of the matches involving southern hemisphere teams will be shown on FloRugby (florugby.com subscription required) and several other northern hemisphere games too. Hopefully the USA matches will get good coverage - details to follow.

Admittedly, I had a knee jerk reaction when I saw all the pink and purple in the World Rugby initiative Rugby Rising Play. (Sidenote: at 42 years old I'm working on understanding my own conditioning against societally identified "girlie things".) But looking at the broader negative reactions to this promo, reinforced self-reflection regarding my initial reaction and how that conflicts with my genuine belief about the sport of rugby - Women and girls are diverse, and all types of folks play and enjoy rugby. I have arrived here: This promo video is a good reminder that we need many different paths to entry into the game that make all people and children feel comfortable to join the game. Rugby is not just about being tough, it is also about finesse, tactics, style, and evolving as a game - and for that we need all kinds of people to join. If there is a sector of girls that will see this and feel that rugby is a place where they may belong - as fans or as athletes - it is a good thing and I applaud it. Women and girls are NOT a monolith, even in a tenacious sport. Some of the best athletes I coached only ever participated in theater or cheerleading or music and they applied their focus and became amazing rugby players. We as a rugby community have to reach our hands out to every type of person and let them decide if they want to be a part of the community. This World Rugby promo is an example of that. And YES, rugby needs fans! So even when people try rugby and find that playing the sport isn't for them, there is still a place for them as a fan. As for the fandom, children - especially girls, can find strength in watching others display their toughness. We allow boys who have never played Pee-Wee Football (little kids American football) to watch and admire the NFL players each week. We see how it makes them feel powerful and confident, so why not girls and rugby? Are we, as a rugby community, defining little girls who like pink, purple, and sparkles and resigning them to be moms and caretakers only?!? If so, that is absolute rubbish. So let's broaden the circle - that's what the women+ of this game have been doing. You should continue to follow our lead.

90% of people who completed our survey said that their business held fantasy sport competitions for men's sport but not for the women. Let's change that. The Guinness Women's Six Nations kicks-off THIS weekend and we've been thinking... what's the best way to get people involved and immersed with the tournament this year?   Our answer... we've set up a Six Nations Fantasy Rugby League powered by Energia so YOU can get more invested, learn about the players and invite your friends, family and colleagues to get invovled too! Not to mention there will be weekly prizes to be won which include match tickets and much more!   We do it for men's sport... so why not the women's too? Interestingly enough, we surveyed our audience around the concept of Fantasy Leagues and it was highlighted that the majority of businesses tend to participate in the men's versions of these but very few do the same for the women. In fact - Get involved here: https://lnkd.in/eUH2psRj

The Impact and Future of Women’s Rugby in North America: Progress and Key Developments