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ARU not interested in league stars
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
ARU not interested in league stars - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz
Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill says the ARU has no interest in trying to entice rugby league superstars Sonny Bill Williams and Mark Gasnier to switch codes.
However he has foreshadowed possible raids on the NRL's new under-20 competition.
While admitting both Williams and Gasnier would be "sensational" rugby players, O'Neill said the ARU was more intent on investing in younger talent than competing against the cashed-up European clubs already vigorously pursuing that high profile pair.
"We're just not interested in them, full stop," O'Neill said.
"It's not about affordability. It's about concentrating our own investment dollars in our own backyard.
"One of their (the NRL's) initiatives that I really applaud is their under-20 competition and, if we're going to concentrate our talent scouts anywhere, it will be on the under-20 competition.
"(That is) really what's been happening for years between the two codes.
"I think the earlier you can pick up talent ... where the skills in rugby league and rugby union are very similar, we're moving away from that top end of the market and concentrating on getting in a bit earlier."
O'Neill admitted there was merit in union signing high-calibre league players, but suggested it was not really viable given the ARU's current financial position.
The ARU last month announced a worrying $8.4 million loss for the 2007 calendar year and, in a watershed moment for professional rugby, invited private investors to buy shares in the four Australian Super 14 clubs.
"We saw considerable benefits come out of (high profile converts) Wendell (Sailor), Lote Tuqiri - we're still seeing benefits out of Lote; he's having a great year - and Mat Rogers, but the investment dollars are now going back into the game," O'Neill said.
"I saw (NRL boss) David Gallop this morning say that a number of rugby league clubs in Sydney are under the pump financially.
"And we've announced recently that we're introducing private equity. Look, we're in the same market. We're not the same size sport as rugby league or AFL, but certainly we suffer from the same pressures.
"So our available investment dollars are going back into grassroots and growing our own talent."