An "aggressive push into the public school system is among the key features of the Australian Rugby Union’s five-year strategic plan" for '16-20, according to Darren Walton of the AAP. ARU CEO Bill Pulver said that the ARU wants to "inspire all Australians to enjoy our great global game." Although rugby has "traditionally been the domain of private schools," Pulver admits it is "imperative the game also gains exposure in public schools in order to compete with Australia’s three rival football codes." Pulver said, "As a country we are changing and rugby must evolve and challenge its traditional thinking to continue to be relevant and financially sustainable in arguably the most competitive national sports market in the world." The five-year plan was built "collaboratively by the rugby community with input from all state and territory member unions and constituents," more than 8,300 fans, sponsors and the Rugby Union Players Association. The public release of the plan, which was facilitated by professional services company Accenture, comes after the ARU announced a A$10M loss last year -- "its worst showing in more than a decade." Central to the plan is grassroots development, with the ARU set to increase its development workforce by 50% across the country to "drive new programs in schools and rugby clubs, to address declining participation rates and encourage more girls and women to take up the sport" (AAP, 4/12).