Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill has called on the four other Australian Super clubs to follow the example of the Queensland Reds and dramatically boost home crowds to improve the code's precarious financial state.
The Reds, who were in a financial mess several years ago, have succeeded in turning it all around, becoming Australia's most buoyant province, culminating in winning the Super Rugby title last season.
O'Neill said yesterday it would be wise for the NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Western Force and Melbourne Rebels to emulate the Reds and lure the public by playing entertaining, winning rugby in this year's tournament, which begins on February 24.
''We know it annoys some people that we reflect on the Reds as an example ... but you do like to reflect on success,'' O'Neill said.
''The Reds have turned it around by playing entertaining, winning rugby, and their home crowds over a two-year period have gone from an average of 13,000 to 35,000. Their TV ratings also went off the radar.
''We'd love to see that replicated throughout all of the franchises and the five Australian cities. It is critical for all of them that they shoot the lights out this year, have extremely successful performances on the park and drive crowds.''
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