‘Neglect must end’ for rugby to thrive

Ex-Wallabies captain ­Michael Lynagh has urged Rugby Australia to concentrate on ­engaging the next generation of players.

Matt Burke, George Gregan and Phil Kearns at the launch of the International Rugby Academy of Australia in Sydney. Picture: John Feder

Former Wallabies captain ­Michael Lynagh has urged Rugby Australia to concentrate on ­engaging the next generation of players and fans, warning the sport has “neglected them for the past 10 years”.

Mr Lynagh, who is the managing director for Dow Jones across Europe, the Middle East and ­Africa, said that while there was “no silver bullet” to fix all the ­issues surrounding the code’s ­administration, it was imperative to put the interests of the sport ahead of backroom politics.

“There are so many sports competing for attention and taking the initiative and investing in junior programs — we need to focus on that too,” Mr Lynagh told The Weekend Australian.

“The talent is there, we just need to nurture it and give kids the support and the opportunity to ­develop a love of rugby.

“We need kids coming to their parents and asking, ‘Can we go to the Waratahs or the Reds on the weekend?’. That’s how you build a real connection and passion for the sport. We’ve lost that.”

The 56-year-old’s comments come amid heightened dissatisfaction with the Rugby Australia board, following a disappointing World Cup run by the Wallabies, the axing of Western Force and the furore surrounding Israel Folau.

Four seats on the RA board will be vacated when chairman Cameron Clyne steps down in March, which Mr Lynagh said would offer a welcome chance for renewal.

“It’s very easy to sit back and throw bricks, but there needs to be a whole rethink about what needs to be done,” he said.

Mr Lynagh is based in London but was in Sydney on Friday for the launch of the International Rugby Academy of Australia, which is dedicated to developing young, aspiring and elite Australian players and coaches, supported by several Wallabies greats, including John Eales, Nick Farr-Jones, George Gregan and Phil Kearns.

Fellow former Wallaby Matt Burke echoed Mr Lynagh’s sentiments. “At a board level, there are some difficulties, but we need to look at things from a glass half-full perspective, rather than glass half-empty,” he said.

“Club rugby is thriving — we’re getting 10,000 come along to club games between Manly and Warringah. It’s a strong competition and brilliant day out for the family and that’s the sort of environment we need if we want to win the crowds back.

“It will take time and a bit of ­patience. In the meantime, let’s turn the page on 2019. Let (RA) have their reviews and all that, but let’s focus on the future and nurturing the talent coming through.”

Mr Gregan said the new academy would help do just that. “This is an excellent vehicle for helping great players and great coaches reach their full potential.”