'If foreign talent is the way to reignite the passion for rugby in Australia, then the sport is already lost'

Rugby Australia might have just had their most impactful month in years, only for this to have been effectively been undone by their latest attempt at innovation. Drafting surplus New Zealand players may stunt the growth of Australia’s promising young talent, so Finn Morton asks why jeopardise a system that’s already starting to work?

After months of debate, speculation and financial frustration, Rugby Australia might have just had their most impactful month in years, only for this to have effectively been tarnished with their latest attempt at innovation.

Earlier in the week, RA unveiled a broadcast package proposal that looked to clear up all uncertainty about the future of Australian rugby, giving New Zealand the deadline of September 4 to join their plans.

The proposal for 2021 and beyond includes a Champions League-esque series featuring the best sides from the southern hemisphere, a National Club Championship and the ambitious inclusion of a three-game ‘State of Union’ series, which is seemingly identical to rival code rugby league’s State of Origin.

RA also outlined plans for either a 10-team trans-Tasman or an Australian orientated competition.

Either way, five Australian teams is their expectation, so breathe easy Western Force fans.

Interim CEO Rob Clarke clarified that Australia needs a competition that “has integrity to it”, so that the game could grow Down Under.

Players and fans alike were impressed with their stance on the matter and the pressure put on New Zealand. Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese was a notable player to publicly praise the governing body as they look to address the financial state of the game.

But on Thursday, all their good work - all their examples of revolution, progress and passion - have effectively been undone by the latest idea of what Australia could do differently.

It was reported that RA chairman Hamish McLennan will look to include a draft in whatever format Super Rugby is played in from next year. McLennan believes that Australian teams being able to draft surplus New Zealand players would be a solution to the apparent gap in quality between the trans-Tasman rivals.

His idea could also lead to the creation of rugby’s Big Bash, which has proved so successful in cricket over the last decade with players on short contracts.

This comes nearly a month after New Zealand Rugby invited Australia to join their proposed Super Rugby competition from next year, even though that might have seen them field as few as two teams.