Is anyone really surprised?
I mean, here we have a product that refuses to change with the times. My biggest problem is this – rugby heads forget that their game is a PRODUCT. A product that competes in the ‘entertainment space’ for your money and mine.
Rugby is no different to a product you buy in the supermarket. I don’t care how strong the brand is, how long it’s been around, how much tradition it has behind it or how many loyal customers it has. If that product doesn’t adapt and evolve over time then its competition will eat it up.
Can you imagine if Nokia stopped developing their technology? What if after building their first handset they chose to sit back for the next 50 years with the same mobile phone? Oh but that’s like comparing apples to oranges you say, or is it? Nokia would have died a quick death due to the nature of technology and the type of product but let’s be honest, rugby isn’t that much different, it’s just dying a much slower death.
Unlike most products and services, sports have the luxury of moving at a much slower pace when it comes to developing their product. Massive overhauls are not required. Sports can survive with just a few subtle changes here and there.
Rugby League is constantly reviewing and tweaking its game and cricket has embraced 20/20 so it appears some sports get it. Rugby doesn’t. It has too big an ego to look itself in the mirror and admit it has a problem.
Shame, because consumers deserve better. They deserve to buy into a product that constantly strives to be the best.
PS. Thanks to everyone who filled out the brief survey. Appreciate your responses.
