Schools key to keeping the game growing
THE inaugural Gold Coast District Rugby Super Schools Cup has been hailed as a solution to reinvigorating the 15-aside code’s fan base.
Competition convener Rob Enright believes the six-team competition, won by Helensvale State High School, was a “raging success”.
“We’ve engaged plenty of school students and parents that wouldn’t have otherwise considered our sport, the standard of play has dramatically increased as the weeks have passed and most importantly, the boys involved have thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” he said.
“We have looked at (the concept as) being a pathway for converting new fans to the game.
“I feel our code gets caught up trying to find the next Will Genia or David Pocock and we lose sight of the importance of growing our fan base.
“Rugby is a complex sport but it’s also a game for everybody and I don’t think there’s a better way to hook new supporters than giving them that practical experience of picking up a ball and having a go. That’s what we’ve done here and hopefully the result is 180 new fans of the game who are willing to continue to support and get involved in rugby.”
QRU Gold Coast development officer Henry Bradford noted 70 per cent of players were new to the game and hopes many will flow into the club rugby scene.
Bradford added that Paul Ramsay Foundation funding will cover another two years to get the concept off the ground, after which it is hoped to be fully self-sustainable.
Indications are the competition could expand to 10 or 12 teams as soon as next year.