Issues in rugby union

The rugby World Cup is around the corner and these are exciting times for the sport indeed. However, there are issues, both on and off the field which need to be addressed in order for our game to stay as the spectacle it is, and to avoid potential off field problems.


On field


Scrummaging


There is no doubt that scrummaging is a huge part of rugby union, and should continue to be so, but recently the endless re-setting of scrums has played a part in ruining many games. The stats for the length of time scrums are taking, the amount of times they are being re-set and the amount of penalties and free-kicks given away during scrums are becoming a huge issue.

The game is being forced to slow down and spectators are becoming frustrated as open field play is being increasingly restricted. It seems to be a guessing game for referees in order to decide who is at fault, do all referees really understand what is going on in the front row? This lack of consistency is frustrating for players, and more and more scuffles are breaking out on the back of the referees decisions and actions.


The solution is difficult, as we still need scrummaging to be integral in our game. The IRB and the rugby world’s governing bodies need to make a positive stand and admit there is a problem. Help has to be given to the referees in order to deal with consistent offenders, and they also need a better understanding in what is going on. Players and ex players could help this cause and, for the sake of the game, seminars could be set up to guide the referees.


Emphasis on kicking goals

It is undeniable that goal kicking is a great skill, but should games be decided by which team has a player who can convert more penalty goals. Teams play for territory, which is understandable, but the tactics of a team working specifically in order to gain a penalty as soon as they get within kicking range is one which is not only boring to watch, but does it really reflect what the game is all about.


Teams with the skill and ability to showcase running rugby are at risk of being beaten by essentially inferior teams, who simply have a clever game plan and a constant goal kicker. If the Northern Hemisphere is to compete with the South in World Cups, then we need to catch up on the running side of our game. Such is the talent of the Southern teams, it is not enough to rely on points from kicks.


Three points for a penalty goal is a lot. Would there be a difference in the the play of some teams if this as reduced to two points, or more points were awarded for a try?


The rules of ball stealing


With the fairly recent change of releasing a player completely before challenging for the ball, more questions and controversy surround certain referee decisions. "Stealing" and ball and all tackling are extremely skilful traits a player can have or learn, so why change this and penalise them for what was a legal manoeuvre. Many players have spent years honing their ball stealing skills, and now they are giving away penalties for what was once considered a specialist skill, especially for back rowers and centres. Is there a legitimate reason for this skill to no longer be utilised as much in our game? Did the rules really need to change?


On the contrary many players play on the edge of legality, and get away with consistent subtle infringing play. Referees need to be more aware of these "tricks of the trade" especially for back rowers. Often a player will happily give away a penalty to eradicate potential attacking danger, as the opportunity will be nullified. If it is a first offence, or in an area of the field which the opposing team are unlikely to score the player will most likely get away with just giving away a penalty. Perhaps a no tolerance approach from the referee would change this "cheating" and persistent offenders could run the risk of a new card (green) which would see them in the sin bin for three to five minutes instead of the full 10 for a professional foul. 


Off Field


Season Structure/Timing


Professional rugby teams have very busy schedules. As well as domestic competitions, there are Cups, Tournaments and if selected International matches. This can not only cause burn out for players, but the continuous strain can make injuries more likely. There is no break in the season, and often a professional rugby player will have less than a month off between the end of the season and the start of pre-season. In order to get the best out of players their schedule has to be managed better.


A break in the season would make sense, as many Winters  in the Northern Hemisphere are so cold that many games are cancelled during a couple of months of the year. Either that or they are played in terrible conditions, again not aiding the quality of the game. The season could also be shifted more towards the summer. Not only would this avoid cancelled and rescheduled games, it would allow for better quality of running rugby. Playing in better conditions is more enjoyable, and allows for the showcase of more skills, with a dry ball and a quality playing surface.


Salaries


Different clubs and countries have different rules, views and opportunities for players on salary opportunities. Some countries and clubs have salary caps and some don't. Lucrative deals are on offer in certain parts of the World, where in other countries these are not available. If players know they could be doing the same job somewhere else for more money they may be tempted to relocate, giving certain clubs and countries significant advantages.


Should these countries be allowed these advantages, and is it fair to the rugby World? Could the IRB have rules which apply Worldwide, and would this even the playing-field?


Injuries and life after rugby


As in all sports injuries play a role in rugby union. However is there more we could do to avoid youngsters being ruled out of the game for good, or careers ended early? We touched on the structure of the season, and a break in the season could allow for more time to concentrate on niggles and injuries which almost all players have, to stop them escalating and getting worse.


Players also lift a lot of weights, especially during the off season. More size and strength especially in collisions causes injuries. Different clubs and countries have a different amount of emphasis on this part of training, but are they all getting it right? Rugby players need to be big and strong, but a certain balance and weighing up of the negatives and benefits is also important.


A professional rugby player trains a lot. Replace a nine till five office job with training three times a day and this is the World of a professional rugby player, and this doesn't even take into account the games played. Could more time be spent in recovery as well as concentrating on other aspects of life? A lot of players are stuck when it comes to work after rugby, so more time dedicated to confronting this issue could be of great benefit. It would also give players more balance to their lives, as big changes will occur when they stop playing professionally.




Some of the issues in the game right now have simply been highlighted, and I'm sure many of these areas are being looked into. Again, any views or comments are welcome via tweets on twitter;
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