Berrick Barnes calls it like he sees it
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In his column in the Sydney Morning Herald, Adam Freier asks whether rugby needs to market itself better.
“Sport soap operas sell. If you're an avid reader of the back end of the newspaper you'll be well aware that sport and soapies are fast becoming one. Yet, while every year sport enters deeper into the realm of the 'entertainment industry', it's fair to say rugby union has not been as active when it comes to pushing the players' profiles and personalities, as opposed to their sporting abilities and feats.
“Should rugby endorse this interest in personalities or should the focus remain squarely on what takes place on the field?
“Rugby league has many colourful characters, with clubs and agents ensuring the public see them in every way possible. Not that all these players have to be superstars to be in the newspaper or on the TV, but like Neighbours and Home and Away, the show must be on every night.
“It's a fact that rugby union at times is buried by rugby league in the newspaper. The balancing act of keeping stories on sport and not off-field dramas is an area that I believe is important to keep our code - and all sports for that matter - in the best light possible. Fortunately, I believe our code is held in great regard.”
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