Deans: Pro rugby needs to hit reset

FORMER Australia coach Robbie Deans has called on World Rugby to put the game’s players at the forefront of the decision-making process on its future.

The hugely experienced Deans, now 61 and coaching in Japan, believes the demands on players are higher than ever, not only in terms of the greater physicality in the game, but also the increase in the number of games and the global travel required before Covid-19 struck.

He thinks rugby’s governing body are not aware of the stresses they are putting on those on the field and the game needs a radical rethink.

“There is a lot going on now in rugby. Every nation is if not resetting, then contemplating the best way forward and I think it’s necessary for two reasons,” Deans, below, told TRP. “One is every nation needs to tend to their own domestic game first in order to cater to the future, but I also think there needs to be a reset around professionalism.

“There is the travel component and what we are asking of players. In 2001, it was conceded at an International Rugby Board meeting that player welfare was the most important item on the agenda. When are we going to get some players’ leadership around the game?

“Player body types have just morphed since professionalism started. We’ve only been professional for 26 years which is a short period. I remember in the first few years, players were an extra 15 kilograms more than their predecessors in the amateur era and the impact that had on the game was huge. “I’d hate to think what the numbers are now, but we are seeing some of the challenges the game faces. There has to be a reset because God forbid what’s it going to look like in another 25 years. It’ll have an impact that will be detrimental to rugby.”

Japan’s Top League, where Deans coaches, has become increasingly popular with players offering rugby that is less taxing on the body but the financial rewards remain great.

“There’s no doubt the Top League is going to continue to grow,” said Deans. “They are a great nation with a great culture and players enjoy it here.

“Because of the private equity interest in the game now there are a lot of big decisions coming. In 25 years, rugby will look very different and Japan will be part of that mix.”