We’re sorry: Performance of Stags ‘unacceptable’

Rugby Southland management have apologised to the Southland public for what they have described as an ‘unacceptable’ performances from the Stags this year.

Southland hit rock bottom with their 57-0 loss to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Wednesday night in what was their sixth straight loss this season.

It was the biggest winning margin in a Bay of Plenty and Southland rivalry which dates back to 1938.

The Rotorua rout was arguably one of Southland rugby’s darkest days on the field in the union’s proud 130-year history.

Stuff put questions to Rugby Southland officials yesterday to try to help give supporters an understanding as to what is being done to try to rectify the problems long-term.

In a statement representing the Rugby Southland management and board, they apologised to all their partners and also outlined the challenges they are facing to be more competitive at Mitre 10 Cup level.

‘‘The performance [on Wednesday night] was unacceptable. The team committed too many basic errors across key areas of the game.

‘‘We apologise to our fans, sponsors, and funders for the performances so far in this year’s Mitre 10 Cup.

‘‘While we have been competitive in some parts of our matches we are not playing at the consistent high level required.’’

The statement indicated they are excited about the crop of young players coming through the Southland system, but they had some financial challenges, and problems with club rugby.

‘‘We are limited with our player salary cap which is based off a percentage of our commercial revenue which is calculated from our financials two years prior.

‘‘Because of our low commercial revenue, in comparison to other provincial unions, we have the lowest player spend in the country which limits what we can pay our players individually and how many players we can contract.

‘‘We are working to lift our salary cap in an affordable way. We need to continue to develop our own talent which means they must have exposure to high levels of rugby in pressure situations.

‘‘Our standard of premier grade rugby in Southland needs greatly improved, starting with more depth in more positions to place pressure on Stag incumbents and those aspiring to pull on the jersey.

‘‘Our players need to be playing more pressure rugby. Our errors are coming from pressure situations,’’ the statement said.

According to the statement there is a lot of work being done to develop players and coaches but the hurdles in front of them are obvious. ‘‘The reality is we are the 14th lowest on player spend out of the 14 provincial unions. Until we can generate greater revenue we are limited around our contracting options.

‘‘This includes the ability to pay our local players more to stay here, as well as attracting some x-factor players.

‘‘This is no excuse for some of the performances to date, but it is a contributor.

‘‘We have a premier competition that does not prepare us well for Mitre 10 Cup.

‘‘We have also had a gap around the transition from secondary to senior player for a long time and it is hard to fix with our age demographic and the post-secondary school drift.’’

The statement indicated they would wait until the end of the season before making any calls around potentially re-appointing the current group of Stags coaches or looking to advertise the roles.

The quest to finish off the 2017 season well is at the forefront of their minds.

‘‘The Rugby Southland board and management continue to support the coaches and players.

‘‘They are our employees and the players and coaches are feeling the pain around this year’s results as much as anyone.

‘‘The impact of team results does impact individual careers so we do need to be mindful of the pressure they are all feeling.

‘‘The most important thing is for the team to try and remain positive with what they are trying to achieve on the field. We need to support the team.’’