The timing of a recent spectator survey, a joint effort between the ACT Brumbies, the ACT Government, and Nielsen Sports, couldn't have been more ironic. It landed in inboxes just hours before the Brumbies suffered an embarrassing defeat, the worst in their 31-year history.
This survey, seeking feedback from fans who attended Super Rugby matches at Canberra Stadium, might have been better received if it had arrived at a different moment. The Brumbies' 66-12 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington was a crushing blow, and many fans were already feeling the weight of a disappointing season.
The season started with promise, with early victories over the Force, Crusaders, and Blues. But as the year progressed, the Brumbies stumbled, losing to Fiji, NSW, Queensland, and the Hurricanes. The final round saw them succumb to Moana Pasifika, leaving fans with a sense of despair.
As a spectator this season, I've had a different perspective than when I was a commentator. I've been looking at games from an entertainment standpoint, evaluating skill levels and competitiveness. And from this vantage point, the issues with the Brumbies, and rugby in Australia more broadly, become more apparent.
The atmosphere at Brumbies home games has been lacking for a while now. It's not just a Brumbies problem; it's a symptom of a larger issue within the Australian rugby scene. There's a lack of player recognition and exposure within the wider community, which contributes to a general disinterest in the sport.
When I attended Brumbies games, especially against teams like Fiji and Moana, I found myself longing for the excitement of a Raiders match. The skill and effort of players like Ryan Lonergan, Rob Valetini, and Andy Muirhead were undeniable, but the overall experience left much to be desired.
The conservative approach adopted by the Brumbies this season might be a reflection of the playing talent available. But it's not just about the Brumbies; it's about the interpretation of the rules by match officials and the general direction of the sport.
I doubt the season survey will uncover anything new. The issues are glaringly obvious: inflated prices for snacks, a lack of excitement, and a sport that seems to be losing its way.
In my opinion, this survey is a missed opportunity. It should have been a chance to engage with fans, to understand their concerns and frustrations, and to address the broader issues facing rugby in Australia. Instead, it feels like a token gesture, a box-ticking exercise that fails to capture the depth of the problem.
The Brumbies' defeat is a symptom of a larger issue, and until the powers that be acknowledge and address these broader concerns, the future of rugby in Australia looks uncertain.
