Outgoing ACT Brumbies boss Michael Thomson is confident rugby can reconnect with disengaged fans, but admits the sport needs to address its flaws before it loses any more supporters.
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Thomson finished his tenure as Brumbies chief executive on Friday, attending a final meeting in Sydney before handing the reins to Phil Thomson to lead the club into the future.
Michael Thomson's departure is a significant moment for the Brumbies after he guided the club into calmer waters, mended broken relationships and recorded financial windfalls for two years in a row.
He gave the Brumbies stability when they desperately needed it following off-field dramas, but Australian rugby's woes have hurt all Super Rugby clubs and their supporter bases.
The future of the competition is still clouded by uncertainty, but Thomson believes a Wallabies international revival and clarity for Super Rugby will help lure back the fans.
"There's no doubt people still love rugby, but there's no doubt there's a bit of a disconnect between the community game and top-end game. I'm optimistic about the future of rugby, but there are things that need to be addressed," Thomson said.
"The Wallabies need to win and play attractive rugby, that's certainly a crucial thing. That produces a rainmaker effect for the game generally.
"Super Rugby just really needs to redefine itself, and work out what the competition structure looks like. We need to build on the strength of the women's game, that's a unique opportunity.
"We probably need to highlight what's special to rugby, because there's a lot of competition out there. Certain codes maybe have the domestic space quite well defined.
"I see rugby has the opportunity to highlight domestic and international competition. Rugby is different because of the World Cup, a Super Rugby comp played in five countries. That's a point of difference.
"Stability is important, but getting the structure of the competition is very important. A lot of work is being done on that at the moment, people want to see genuine competition and understand other teams and why it matters."
The Brumbies are hoping the transition from Michael Thomson to Phil Thomson will be smooth, especially given the former has been an interim chief executive in the past and chairman of the board for almost 12 months.
Both attending meetings at Rugby Australia headquarters on Friday and met with the club's Wallabies representatives before attending the John Eales Medal, where David Pocock won Australian rugby's top individual prize.
Michael Thomson has overseen a significant period of change at the Brumbies and his tenure will leave a legacy of steadiness in getting the club moving forward again.
The Brumbies have secured their 39-roster for next year, signed New Zealand high-performance guru Chris Tindall to head their pathways and contract system and introduced a women's team this year.
There are challenges ahead for Phil Thomson. Brumbies crowds dipped to their lowest point in Super Rugby history this year, there are a host of Wallabies stars, including Pocock, off contract next year and Australian rugby is desperately trying to win back support.
"I think the organisation is in a good spot. Turning a profit, participation numbers are up and finalising the squad are all positive. There is still work to be done," Thomson said.
"I'm sure Phil Thomson will continue to develop and move it forward, there's a good team in place on and off the field. Finalising the squad was pretty important in the last little while."
The Brumbies have recruited well in the off-season, adding Wallabies veteran James Slipper and speedster Toni Pulu alongside Pete Samu, Irae Simone, Tom Wright, Vunipola Fifita and Murray Douglas.
There is also a group of emerging players, including Tom Banks, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Len Ikitau, Tom Ross, Noah Lolesio and Darcy Swain, who are ready to take the next steps in their careers.
The Brumbies announced on Friday they will play pre-season games against the Melbourne Rebels in Canberra on January 26 and the NSW Waratahs at Goulburn on February 7.
"I've got mixed emotions. Our focus on female rugby has been terrific and the numbers we're seeing through that," Thomson said.
"What we've done in the indigenous space with the reconciliation action plan and being a more inclusive organisation is really important.
"And I'm excited about what next year will bring on the field. It's an exciting young squad coming through."
BRUMBIES PRE-SEASON GAMES
January 26: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Viking Park, time TBC. Free entry
February 7: ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs at Goulburn, time TBC. Free for Brumbies members, ticket prices to be determined.
