@Redsman

It'd been nice to see you around. We need more Aussies around here! Stick around a little more often. How are things in Aussie rugby right now? I haven't been following current events. 

In truth, it was Australia who brought me into the game. Inspired by Herbert and Horn, I was compelled to hone in on rugby. At that time, I was gravitating to track and field and basketball of all things! As much as I love Bok rugby, it was Wallaby rugby that really shaped my vision for the game. We need you back to your best, so give that hermaphrodite the boot right up its rear and let them real rugby men pave the way forward! 

mate......... 

thanks I only wish a bit more passion for the code in australia existed...

but... winners are grinners... and NRL / AFL / Soccer are leaving the ARU for dead......

Now that season over and RWC decided it is possible my appearances will be less frequent unless poms / saffas / kiwis involved in cricket or rugby..........

If only to get rid of raelene...... 

I recall some stats from 2005 which showed the impact the 2003 final had on participation in both England and Australia. RL is a heck of a beast to contend with, in its very heartland. Then cricket, and Aussie Rules etc. From what I heard from other Aussies, Union is quite elitist in Australia, cutting off avenues for participation. 

yep pretty much nailed it.

NSW and QLD are the only 2 rugby union states and junior participation dropped to all time low... 

Every other state main code is AFL and they are bonkers for the code... sort of like gaelic football but get 60-100K crowds at club matches in melbourne frequently.

The average AFL athlete runs 20kms in a game and can kick 50+ metres on average punt. They also have some big tall guys 205cm+ and some excellent running athletes perfect to play anywhere in rugby backlines....

The thing i lament the most is that AFL states have numerous prop and front row stocks that never play rugby as never given a chance to... met more than a few last week in melbourne.....

And finally yes - rugby has always been the domain of the private school GPS comp (of which I was part) - outside of this we have club level (of which I played as a junior)... In short the admin is full of idiots that have zero foresight........