Rugby’s Declining Numbers: Can an Under 85kg Competition Reverse the Trend?
In an era of increasing safety concerns and adherence to regulations, one might assume that rugby players would be getting smaller in size. The laws of the game are evolving to reduce the impact of collisions, and the speed of play is becoming more important than sheer size.
However, the recent dominance of France, the gargantuan World Rugby Under 20 champions, proves this theory wrong. They possess immense size and skill, capable of defeating some NPC sides and even rivaling Super Rugby teams. Additionally, the introduction of Tamati Williams, a 144kg prop, into the All Blacks squad adds to the narrative of size still being a crucial aspect of the sport.
But amidst this backdrop, a momentous final took place at Coxs Bay Reserve in Auckland. The Under 85kg Premier final showcased a fierce, fast, and skilful contest between Ponsonby and Pakuranga, with Ponsonby emerging victorious with a brave 10-3 win. The match featured athletic and determined men of diverse ages and ethnicities, with relatively similar sizes. And the intensity of the ruck contest truly caught the attention, with displays of genuine competition, unlike the monotonous mauls that often dominate the highest levels of the game.
This begs the question: why does this matter? New Zealand, a nation renowned for its rugby prowess, has witnessed a decline in player numbers. According to the New Zealand Rugby Annual Report in 2022, the overall number of players decreased from 158,409 in 2021 to 147,847 in the past year. While the growth of women’s rugby is promising, there is no specific data on male participation rates.
Further investigation reveals alarming trends, particularly in secondary school participation, which has decreased by nearly a quarter over the past twelve years. While the game attracts young players, it struggles to retain them, as evidenced by the significant drop in registered players, from close to 10,000 10-year-olds in 2018 to only 3,000 18-year-olds.
Several factors may contribute to this decline, such as the pressures of living costs and the availability of alternative recreational activities. However, one significant reason could be the sheer size of rugby players and the fear of constantly being at risk of injury.
Rugby has historically been a sport for people of all shapes, sizes, and weights. Nevertheless, entering the elite game today, or even surviving as an amateur senior player, requires an unwavering commitment to a refined science of physical preparation, which is only accessible to those with dedicated access to resources, diets, and specialized knowledge that facilitate the attainment of significant bulk.
This trend towards increasing size is undeniable. The average weight of a rugby international has skyrocketed from 84.8kg in 1995 to 105.4kg in 2015, with no signs of slowing down.
However, there is a glimmer of hope emerging. Weight-restricted grades exist in rugby, predominantly for children and teenagers. This indicates that combat sports like boxing, which also feature weight-restricted competitions, can attract significant interest, not just in heavyweight matches.
Sir Graham Henry, a respected figure in New Zealand rugby, recognized this and played a crucial role in establishing a National Under 85kg competition. The initiative has been gaining traction, with plans to select a national team this year. Suddenly, a viable alternative is opening up for those of smaller or average weight to compete and excel in the game they love.
But why stop there? It’s time to raise the bar higher. How about an Under 85kg Bledisloe Cup, the pinnacle competition between rugby powerhouses New Zealand and Australia? Let’s call it the ‘George,’ in honor of George Gregan and George Nepia, iconic players from each nation who weighed under 85kg and achieved enduring success.
The establishment of weight-restricted contests with exceptional athletes, combined with marketing creativity and ample competitive opportunities, has the potential to rejuvenate rugby participation numbers and ignite interest across different demographics. Australia, who often struggles to defeat their Trans-Tasman rivals, may finally have a chance to clinch victory.
In conclusion, acknowledging that not everyone is inclined towards super-sized rugby is crucial. Weight-restricted competitions provide a platform for good athletes, offer diverse marketing possibilities, and create competitive opportunities that can revitalize the sport. Perhaps it’s time for rugby to celebrate its roots as a game played by individuals of all shapes, sizes, and weights. The Under 85kg competitions may just be the catalyst for a promising future for rugby at all levels.
