Eddie Jones could have thrown up the white flag and conceded that the task of rebuilding Australian rugby was insurmountable, but the five head coaches leading the Super Rugby franchises are determined not to give up. Instead, they are looking optimistically towards the future. After his departure from Australian rugby, Jones mentioned that he felt there were too many obstacles standing in the way of the game’s progress. He pointed to the political divisions within the game and the lack of financial resources as significant issues.
Les Kiss, who succeeded Brad Thorn at the Queensland Reds, is feeling positive about Australian rugby and the players in the country. He has spoken with various community members and is eager to address the challenges while focusing on the opportunities ahead.
Darren Coleman, coach for the Waratahs, believes that Australian programs are professional enough and the players’ work ethic is strong, capable of succeeding on the international stage. Kevin Foote, who coaches the Melbourne Rebels, has similar sentiments. He is excited about the potential for Australian rugby and believes that passionate players and supporters will help the game thrive.
The coaches also emphasize the need for the Super Rugby franchises to become more competitive in order to improve the Wallabies’ international standing. They are optimistic about the talent pool and are hopeful that Australia’s five teams will make significant progress.
The return of Wallaby players to their Super Rugby franchises has also provided a positive outlook on the forthcoming season. The coaches are pleased with the extra opportunities for players to compete in more matches. They are optimistic about the development of younger players and building stronger teams. The experiences and lessons learned in previous seasons have led the coaches to make necessary adjustments and plan for positive changes in the future.