Weekly Ramble

Today I will do just that.. ramble. I was just wondering if all arms of rugby are in sync with each other. Given, I was a firm supporter that KRFU bulldoze its way and realign the season with the International season. I also supported that they should do it irrespective of the sentiments and feelings of clubs. I supported that it should be done in a structured organised way. To belatedly realise that this had to be done is typical of the think tank on Ngong Road once they got the partisan sentiments out of the way.

What I was just thinking today is are we losing something out in all this reorganisation? Has the rugby experience in the country been enhanced for the players, the coaches, the teams and the spectators? Is everybody getting full value for their input? And just what is their input? With only 3 months gone in the rugby calendar, what is supposed to be the "meat" of the season is nearly over. In the meantime, we have had some tournaments, and aborted others from the fixtures. With this squeezed format, are clubs giving their all to the rugby experience and in turn, giving the spectators their money's worth?

The Impala Floodlit saw some teams skip the event as it was too early in the season for them!! No fault of theirs really to be ill prepared for the season, however that dampened the flavour of the event slightly. A few weeks later, we have seen the scheduled Easter Blackrock Festival skipped altogether without even a word as to why. Understandable again as playing a serious match on a Saturday then preparing for a whole day tournament the following day is extremely difficult. The following weekend saw the Easter Great Rift 10-a-Side take place. Once more some teams sent development sides whilst others skipped it altogether!

As much as the cramped season may be playing a role, I also think the camaraderie between clubs is also suffering. Can't say what the reasons are, but in the past all you needed was spread by word of mouth that you have a tournament and all clubs will make every effort to attend and make it a success. Whether the players had to use their own money, or even means of transport, every effort was made to ensure success.

All in all I see the events fronted by the union and union friendly clubs getting stronger and stronger whilst those that kept rugby going for the past 30 years, whilst the union slept, getting weakened more and more. And I wonder, at what cost are we developing our rugby?

As I wish you a good weekend, this was leaked to us a few weeks back and it is now taking momentum. Tomorrow, my predictions for the semi finals.