The Australian Rugby Union has "weighed into Sydney’s stadium debate by expressing its preference for a brand new stadium to be built at Moore Park," according to Iain Payten of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. But under "implied threat" of taking marquee events like the Bledisloe Cup to other states, the ARU also insisted the existing Allianz Stadium "remains operational" while the new venue is constructed and the government guarantees the ARU will not lose "precious" Test revenue while the "stadia network" is being built. The ARU’s position in the "heated debate" is spelled out in a letter sent by ARU CEO Bill Pulver to NSW Sports Minister Stuart Ayres last week. Pulver welcomed the planned A$1.6B ($1.2B) investment in upgrading Sydney's sporting infrastructure, saying that it is imperative "world-class stadia" are available to attract fans, drive revenue and secure sponsors. Pulver wrote, "Our overwhelming preference is for a new stadium to be constructed at Moore Park and that Allianz Stadium remains operational while a new stadium is constructed. Indeed, this outcome, in particularly Allianz Stadium remaining operational, is absolutely necessary in order for us to commit content to the stadia network -- that being Waratahs Super Rugby Matches, Wallabies Test Matches, Sevens World Series events, and going forward over the next 10-15 years, premium content such as Super Rugby Finals, Bledisloe Cups, Rugby Championship Test Matches, Lions Tour Matches and potentially future Rugby World Cups." The ARU's "desire to keep the existing Allianz Stadium open helps ensure a suitably sized venue is available" for the Waratahs, but more so for the Sydney Sevens -- which is locked in for four more years -- and for inbound Test series. Australia plays England at Allianz Stadium in June. Overall, the ARU’s position is "not a huge shock." With Wallabies’ Tests and major events like Lions tours and World Cups the code’s "single biggest driver of revenue, having another 50,000-seat stadium in Sydney is attractive" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 4/6).
GARNERING SUPPORT: The AAP reported Rugby League Players’ Association CEO Ian Prendergast has "thrown his support" behind the National Rugby League’s stadium policy. Before "taking over the reins" of the RLPA, Prendergast was second-in-charge at the Australian Football League Players’ Association. In Melbourne, the AFL’s move away from suburban grounds to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Etihad Stadium has "reaped huge benefits for the code." Prendergast said, "That is something that the NRL have led -- we understand why they are doing it. We are supportive of it in principle. But there are a lot of issues that have to be worked through with the clubs to make sure that it is a whole-of-industry approach and it is going to work for everyone." Predergast said that the NRL's stadium strategy was "the best situation for the fans." However, he also said that there "remained a place in rugby league for the suburban venues." Prendergast: "There is still a place for the suburban grounds as training facilities and to perhaps play a certain amount of games at. But the strategy is to move towards three major stadiums and I think there is a lot of merit in that" (AAP, 4/6).
