Rugby can't shoot itself in the foot

RUGBY league goes from strength to strength €“ 80,000 at last night's game! €“ and rugby union continues to shoot itself in both feet. The latest imbroglio is the issue of Wallabies wanting to be paid for a trial match before they go on their northern hemisphere tour. There have been claims and counter-claims, but the bottom line was put by the Rugby Union Players' Association boss Tony Dempsey: "The players' attitude was if the game is being played for commercial gain, we want to be paid." Are you with me? If there is money to be made on this, then we want our cut, as we are the raw material in this industry. Here's my bottom line: get nicked. There has never been as much disillusionment with elite rugby in Australia and the way it is played as this year. Never. This will have to show up in severely depleted rugby coffers as people turn away from games, don't renew season tickets for next year, and turn away from even watching it on TV. So, do you blokes want your share of those losses, too, losses that stem from the way you're playing? Well, they're inevitably coming. Australian rugby is sinking fast, and it needs all hands on the pump to stay afloat. Those wanting to bicker over match payments for a trial match just don't get it, and should get out. The bus is leaving in five minutes. Be under it.

CAFE REVIEW

Pablo & Rusty's Espresso Bar, 1/1 St Johns Avenue, Gordon (9499 8442)

Movies - Monday, September 7

Princesses (2005)