Rugby Australia receives wake-up call with All Blacks’ early pre-season camp
It was an early wake-up call for Rugby Australia earlier this week as the All Blacks kicked off their pre-season camp under new coach Scott Robertson. While Rugby Australia is still in the process of finding their next Wallabies coach, the All Blacks wasted no time with a two-day camp to evaluate players and build rapport with the coaching staff.
The camp took place nine months after Robertson was announced as the new All Blacks coach, and it was a crucial opportunity for him to assess the team and plan for the departure of key players. This proactive approach stands in stark contrast to Rugby Australia’s slow progress in finding a replacement for Eddie Jones. The lack of investment in Australian coaches has left RA with a limited shortlist of candidates, both local and international.
The urgency of finding a new coach is further underscored by the upcoming matches against Wales and the looming British and Irish Lions tour. Despite the Wallabies still being without a coach, the national playing group remains resolute. However, the lack of a coach has implications for sponsorship, player contracts, and fan engagement.
Rugby Australia’s delay in finding a new coach has already led to the departure of promising players, highlighting the need for swift action. The pressure to secure a coach before the upcoming matches is mounting, and Rugby Australia can ill afford to drag their feet any longer.