BRACKLEY RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB LIMITED’s Post

Off the back of this posting, I was contacted by another rugby club in the far south east about the issues they are having. There are some common themes here around rugby club finance, membership, facilities, insurance, the list goes on and on. I’m thinking about getting an informal talking shop together to bring struggling rugby clubs together to discuss: 1. Management and finance 2. Sponsorship and Funding 3. Membership and community 4. Getting out of the downward spiral Message me if this is something that strikes a chord, and you feel your club could benefit from hearing from others in a similar situation. It’s not bad, it’s just not going away until there is clear action. Simple changes can make a big difference. If I get enough interest, I’ll set up a virtual meeting. Maybe get some clubs to share their experiences of finding a way out to the benefit of the members and community.

I believe Execution lies in Simplicity and Clarity. This is my central message when I coach teams and professionals. World Rugby has for long been on the receiving end of rugby fans worldwide for continuous law changes that are complex and don't seem to follow a constant vision for what the game should be about. Fans can't keep up and often don't understand what the hell is going on (read my frustration as well - even though I have coached with a WR Level II accreditation!) and referees are almost always lambasted for their 'interpretation' of an incredibly difficult set of rules. My view is that law complexity and constant meddling is (by far) what's hindering growth of the game and I believe it's because they don't have a clear vision for what the game should be about anymore. This week, Brett Robertson was elected as the new Chair of World Rugby. His campaign focussed on the following: "Progressive evolution of global growth strategy, deepened collaboration across the game and continued prioritisation of player welfare." While this sounds great (especially Player Welfare), I want to know what the clear strategy for improvement within THE GAME ITSELF is and not just what sounds fancy in a headline. Back when I started my Level 2 coaching, my handbook kicked off with the outcomes of the game (according to the IRB), which included the following (paraphrased): 'To create an equal contest for the ball at all times'. I certainly don't believe this is the case anymore. And I also think fans are being less and less engaged with their understanding of the game. The more the referee panel meets, the more the above seems to be the case. I'd love to see World Rugby choose a clear vision for the playing of the game and then build their strategy around this. I certainly think that a '50/50 contest for the ball and less whistle' would be a great principle to drive the Vision of a more globally attractive. The game could do with 50% less laws, especially those that govern the contest around the contact point. I could name a few, but don't want to lose focus of what I'd like to say here!... ...which is that the game needs in-game strategic change that is clear for everyone and very very simple. Forget new global competitions, franchise leagues and funky Sevens gimmicks. Improve the experience for the player, fan and referee! Let's wait and see! #worldrugby #rugby #vision #keepitsimple

We've all been buzzing since winning a Rugby Black List award and feel more than ever that serious discussion and action needs to be taken around this fundamental question: "If rugby in England wants to engage with diverse communities how will this be achieved if diverse communities have no access to rugby?" In highly populated urban areas the required space for schools and clubs to play rugby on doesn't exist in sufficient amounts. Interesting fact - 50% of the total BAME population in England live in 3 cities. London, Birmingham & Manchester. Any thoughts? Also consider that you can't start to fudge the game (which is something the powers that be are currently working on) to create 5 a side touch and call it rugby. The beauty of rugby as we know it is that all shapes and sizes have an equal and important part to play on the pitch. Without this element it simply isn't rugby.

Capital Rugby Union under the direction and Leadership of Kori Chan and his administration have really taken the game of rugby to a whole new level of modern rugby. This is what PNGRU should have doe as the governing Body for all Unions right across the country. What we see here is a an affiliated union run with good business acumen , start administration strategy and the best rugby operation on show. We have a higher chance of exporting rugby players across the globe than rugby league players because it is very clear that rugby is game for the Pacific Islanders and not league. if CRU can do this , what is stopping other Unions from achieving the same and getting the same level support ?? The recent results by our rugby teams on the 7s and 15s circle is a testament of what happens when you get players from unions who are not up the standard operationally but on Paper only. Time for a change and time is now. get behind CRU and its administration Its time for a change for the betterment of rugby in PNG.

The South African Rugby Union rejected Ackerley Sports Group’s $75 million bid for a 20% stake in Springboks’ commercial rights. A rival group offered $375 million for 20–40%, emphasizing local control and financial growth. Ackerley may revise its bid before the year’s exclusivity period ends. Read the most important news of the day: altdaily.co #RugbyVictory #SouthAfricaSports #AlternativeInvestment

Who will get the Lions' share?... (See also: https://lnkd.in/gFZ32_Tj ) "The British & Irish Lions has today announced details of a new player agreement which will see players selected for the 2025 Tour to Australia benefit from a PROFIT SHARE MODEL for the 1st time. The agreement will see the creation of a new partnership model whereby a PORTION OF THE DISTRIBUTABLE POST-TOUR PROFITS will be made available for sharing between players..." However this PORTION may be much less than 100%. And DISTRIBUTABLE POST-TOUR PROFITS may be much less than Total Profits. And Total Profits may be much less than Total Revenue Generated from the tour. So ideally, to maximize remuneration for their work input, players would negotiate additional payments as proportions (say of total series match minutes played) of Total Revenue Generated from future tours. However, the new current agreement does suggest a significant step improvement in player bargaining power, and move to greater incentivization and potentially performance of Lions players....(Wallabies watch out...) https://lnkd.in/gnvq_4bJ

Gayton McKenzie, the South African Minister of Sports, has advised SA Rugby to reject the latest offer from the US-Based Ackerley Sports Group to acquire a 20% share in the Springboks' commercial interests. McKenzie declared for News24 that he opposes ASG’s proposal to combine with a South African consortium and invest in the South African Rugby Union’s commercial rights company. He claimed that the potential deal has “taken the gloss away from the on-field successes of the Springboks.” He then went on to suggest that “SA Rugby must find alternative sources of revenue,” stating that the deal has allegedly caused “a lot of unnecessary fighting, division, and strife.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/dD-5pQ6R #PEInsights #privateequity #investment #rugby

Great article in Ad Age on the rising popularity of Rugby in the US. Rugby is no longer just a niche—it’s a movement gaining momentum in the US, with the LA Olympics 2028 and Rugby World Cups 2031 and 2033 on the horizon. But here’s the question: are brands ready to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity? This isn’t just about sponsorship; it’s about stepping into a sport rooted in passion, teamwork, and diversity. It’s about telling stories that resonate with a growing audience and creating real, lasting impact. For brands looking to expand their reach into global markets, rugby offers a unique opportunity to stand out, drive awareness, and build authentic connections with a passionate and growing fanbase. The stage is set—who will seize the moment? 🏆 Ready to create the next big story in sports? Get in touch. Link to the article in the comments ---> #Rugby #SportsMarketing #BrandStorytelling #Innovation #Partnerships

I am delighted to be featured in this month's Sportin Wales magazine. You can find the digital version on their website at https://lnkd.in/eMdiuSGm Take a look at page 31 for guidance on navigating commercial property leases in Wales and England for prospective tenants. #LegalAdvice #CommercialProperty #NewColumn #CommercialLease