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Alan Jones AO is one of Australia’s most prominent and influential broadcasters. He is a former successful radio figure and coach of the Australian National Rugby Union team, the Wallabies. He has also been a Rugby League coach and administrator, with senior roles in the Australian Sports Commission, the Institute of Sport and the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust. Alan Jones is a former Senior Advisor and Speechwriter to the former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.

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RUGBY UNIONRugby Union

Action from the Ballymore Cup schoolboy rugby competition in Brendale. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Rugby’s concussion dilemma

We all want more ball-in-play time because we want to see more action; but more action can mean more injuries.

Alan Jones

RUGBY UNIONRugby Union

Future Tourism Business Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves. John Coates (AOC Chairman). Pic Mark Cranitch.

Why rugby should not be for sale

The fact World Rugby are considering private equity offers, before they confirm the 2027 host nation, is not good news for Rugby Australia.

Alan Jones

RUGBY UNIONRugby Union

FILE - Britain's Prince Philip (C) and his grandson's Prince William (R) and Prince Harry (L) are pictured during the final match of the 2015 Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham stadium, south west London, on October 31, 2015. AFP PHOTO / GLYN KIRK RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE, NO USE IN LIVE MATCH TRACKING SERVICES, TO BE USED AS NON-SEQUENTIAL STILLS (Photo by GLYN KIRK / AFP)

Memories of rugby fan Prince Philip

The Prince was a knowledgeable rugby fan. Mark Ella tells the story of how the Prince cheekily told him: “You have put on weight, haven’t you?”

Alan Jones

RUGBY UNIONRugby Union

LEEDS, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Israel Folau of Catalans Dragons reacts during the Betfred Super League match between Catalans Dragons and Castleford Tigers at Emerald Headingley Stadium on August 08, 2020 in Leeds, England. Stadiums remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

It’s time for Folau’s redemption

Easter Sunday reminds us of the resurrection and the triumph over evil. We have our own metaphor of the Easter message in Israel Folau.

Alan Jones

COMMENTRugby Union

2020 Investec Tri Nations Rugby. The Wallabies train at St Phillip's Christian College, Nulkaba, NSW, ahead of their clash with Argentina in Newcastle. Taniela Tupou. Photo: Stuart Walmsley / Rugby Australia

The good, the bad and the ugly

In 1966, Clint Eastwood starred in the spaghetti western The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. The movie title sums up Australian rugby.

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Waratahs Head Coach Rob Penney watches his players warm up during the round three Super RugbyAU match between the Waratahs and the Western Force at Bankwest Stadium, on March 05, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Private equity no solution for rugby

Bonaparte said: “True leaders are merchants of hope.” With NSW strugling and private equity knocking, do we see any at the Waratahs or Rugby Australia?

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 13: James O'Connor of the Reds is pictured during the round four Super RugbyAU match between the Brumbies and the Reds at GIO Stadium, on March 13, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

O’Connor’s redemption story

When I see James O’Connor speaking candidly after games about his team’s performance and his personal battles, I see a young man who once seemed burdened, now freed.

Alan Jones

Rugby Union

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Ryan Lonergan of the Brumbies celebrates with team mates after winning the round three Super RugbyAU match between the Rebels and the Brumbies at GIO Stadium, on March 06, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Ideas to repair rugby strike a chord

Last week I sought to remind Rugby Australia about 10 big-picture issues that require attention if rugby is to climb off the floor. These are the next 10.

Alan Jones

RUGBY UNIONRugby Union

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Noah Lolesio of the Brumbies runs in for a try during the round one Super RugbyAU match between the Western Force and the Brumbies at HBF Park, on February 19, 2021, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Ten ways to save Australian rugby

But I want to share 10 of the many things I have recommended in order to secure the change we need.

Alan Jones

RUGBY UNIONRugby Union

All Blacks superstar Dan Carter plays his final game of rugby in Australia on Saturday, when NZ takes on the Wallabies. Dan Carter at kicking practice this afternoon at ANZ Stadium, Homebush. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Who is greatest No 10 of our time?

With the announcement of Dan Carter’s retirement, it’s interesting to ponder the question: who is the best playmaker?

Alan Jones

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/alan-jones/page/4