Canberra is back on the radar to host Test rugby and new ARU chief executive Bill Pulver wants to reward the capital for its ''loyalty'' to the sport. And while Pulver has backed Robbie Deans in asking Super Rugby teams to rest their Wallabies to prepare for the British and Irish Lions tour, he conceded he would need to be ''flexible'' if the ACT Brumbies' finals chances are hanging in the balance. Pulver was on a fact-finding mission in Canberra this week and met Brumbies management, coaching staff and players as he begins his tenure in Australian rugby's top job. One of his highest priorities is to re-establish a third-tier competition and he wants a Canberra team involved to ensure the Brumbies have depth for the future. Pulver spoke about his plans to increase rugby's popularity and juggle the need to perform in Super Rugby and in the Test arena.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
CANBERRA'S TEST HOPES
Canberra Stadium will host the British and Irish Lions when they play the Brumbies in June. But the capital hasn't been on the Wallabies Test schedule since they trounced Italy and Fiji in 2009 and 2010 respectively. Canberra was the only Super Rugby playing area which did not have a chance to see international rugby last year. Instead of coming to the capital, the ARU held its Test between the Wallabies and Scotland in Newcastle. Pulver wants to see international rugby return to Canberra Stadium. ''We want to do everything we can to reward those wonderfully loyal rugby communities and Canberra is absolutely one of those,'' Pulver said.
RESTING THE WALLABIES
Pulver has already declared his intention to put the Wallabies first when it comes to preparing for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. Deans is trying to plan a three-week camp before the series begins in June. The Brumbies play the Melbourne Rebels on June 7 in their second-last game of the regular season. The clash is 15 days before the first Wallabies-Lions Test. It could prove crucial to the Brumbies' hopes of making the finals for the first time since 2004. Brumbies coach Jake White is determined to reach the play-offs this year and he wants his best players available. ''That call will be made by me,'' Pulver said. ''We need the Wallabies to win those games against the Lions and need them performing at their absolute best. In terms of player availability it's an easy decision [to support Deans].''
THE ARU CONTRACT SYSTEM
White wants to put long-term faith in his players to help him rebuild the franchise and claim a Super Rugby title. However, some players are reluctant to commit to extended deals because of the separate Super Rugby and ARU contracting systems. If a player commits to Super Rugby, they fear their ability to earn a big ARU contract will be affected. Pulver was reluctant to commit to any changes to the contracting system. ''The player contracting system will be reviewed and that's an ongoing process,'' he said.
CHALLENGES FOR THE BRUMBIES
The Brumbies have recorded financial losses in the past two years, but are predicting a $1.1million turnaround this year. They are preparing to move to a new $15 million facility at the University of Canberra later this year which will be jointly funded by the Brumbies, the ACT government and the university. ''I think this franchise has done very well,'' Pulver said of the Brumbies.
