Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

By Ron Wood

What now for the future of Rugby Pacifica with the Rugby Australia announcement of the end of the Rebels. It was inevitable that RA would pull the pin on the Rebels, who are in administration with total debts of $23m. Even though there has been a move from a Victorian syndicate to save the club, Rugby Australia have not been convinced that the proposal is sound and have scrapped the Rebels for 2025. Just what it means for the future of Super Rugby at this point in time is anyone’s guess. Once again I ask the question ... is Super Rugby the right fit for Australian Rugby in this day and age? Surely the same question is being asked in the RA Board Room. Considering the current state of Rugby in Victoria, the problems in recent years in Western Australia and the fact that the Waratahs, from the most populous state in the country will finish 2024 with the Wooden Spoon, where to from here? I still think that strong consideration should be given to walking away from Super Rugby and developing a National Provincial Competition completely within Australia and ensuring that all grass roots competitions run in the country build towards the new competition.  

It is just one week to go before the NSW Country Championships for 2024 in Tamworth over the long weekend. Illawarra will have three teams making the trip this year with Seniors, Colts and Women represented. The squads will be finalised after this weeks round of matches, with all the squads traveling to Tamworth on Friday June 7 for the two-day tournament. Watch this space for a look at the history of this tournament and more details of this years Squads over the next few days. I’ll be traveling to Tamworth with the squads so keep an eye on the Rogues Facebook page for match updates and Reports over the weekend.

It is the last round of Super Rugby this week, with the Finals starting next week. There are still plenty of connotations  around this week’s matches to see just who will finish where on the Points Table, but I think it is pretty much done and dusted as far as the top eight is concerned. I think that the Crusaders and The Force will miss out, with the Brumbies, Reds and Rebels going forward to the finals, with Waratahs stone motherless at the bottom. My Tips for this week: Crusaders, Reds, Drua, Hurricanes, Blues and Brumbies. 

Hopefully the weather will hold up this weekend and we can get another round done locally. Only three games again this week with Vikings hosting Shoalhaven at Vikings Oval. The Blueys sit at the bottom of the table while Shoalies are shooting for win number. 29 on the trot. There can only be one result here but the Blueys will make the Shoalies work for the points. Shoalhaven to Win. Campbelltown are home to Bowral, and are enjoying a very good season thus far. Bowral are no easy beats but will struggle against a very impressive Quinnies side. Campbelltown to Win. Match of the Round is at Camden Rugby Park with Kiama making the trip up the hill. Kiama are sitting at the top of the table and will want to stay there given the pressure from Shoalhaven just two points behind now in second spot. Camden have been the big improvers this year along with Campbelltown and I think they can give Kiama a real run for their money in this one. Kiama should have too much power and class for the Rams but however if they take their hosts too lightly, they might just regret it. Kiama to Win. 

Rugby Diary

Saturday June 8 – Sunday June 10

NSW Country Championships – Tamworth. Seniors, Colts & Women’s

Saturday June 15     IDRU Round 9

                                Bowral V Camden

                                Kiama V Vikings

                                Shoalhaven V Tech Waratahs

                                Bye – Shamrocks, Campbelltown