What factor has contributed most to the positive development of rugby in recent years ?

Question

Professionalism, new rules, air travel, T.V. or participatory refereeing ?

Answer 1

New Rules.

Changes to lifting in the line out and substitution were both introduced on the back of RSA's efforts to bend and stretch the lame rules of the time.

Air travel, T.V and pro rugby are all linked. Down under we could say that the birth of SANZAR embraces all three.

The ELVs are the most obvious recent push toward positive change, but SANZAR are also pushing international rugby into Asia through the proposed introduction of a new S14 team next year - out of Tokyo Japan. Show casing tri-nations games in Pacific rim countries other than NZ and AUS is also  a positive attempt to grow the game. This year Hong Kong will see one of four Bledisloe Cup matches, and next year Tokyo will host the final tri-nations test.

Sad Argentina can't help themselves and adopt professionalism. All their provincial unions voted unanimously   against going pro at the start of this year - so . . . if they can't help themselves, no other bugger can.

There has also been a big push to change the way nations are seeded for the next world cup. Some people think it was a nonsense that RSA beat England in the pool matches and then had to beat them again in the final, and the same for Argentina, they had to spank the French twice to take the bronze. What's the point of nations having to face off twice when there are 20 different nations in the tournament?

I have no clue what you mean by participatory refereeing?

Answer 2

the participation of crazy irishmen

Answer 3

~ All factors yes.......but the continuous & tireless work of unpaid volunteers and those involved at grassroots level in rugby is what forms the foundation of the code and causes growth in other areas. ~