'A world of uncertainty': Waratahs sweat on revised broadcast deal as changes loom

Waratahs chief Paul Doorn says the quickest way to quash growing anxiety among players and staff is for Rugby Australia to sort out a new broadcast deal with Fox Sports as soon as possible as the club digests the fact that things may never be the same again.

Doorn and other Australian Super Rugby chief executives have been briefed by interim RA boss Rob Clarke about discussions with Fox Sports to amend this year’s broadcast deal for an Australian domestic competition set to begin on July 3.

The word is that Clarke is positive about how talks are progressing and, while the 2021 to 2025 broadcast deal is of significant importance for the code, getting money flowing again this year is paramount.

Doorn, who has been in charge of the Waratahs and NSW Rugby since February, has faith in Clarke and incoming chairman Hamish McLennan at the negotiating table but admits his club is hamstrung until it has certainty on what kind of revised dollar figure RA can squeeze out of Fox Sports.

“We’ve been working in a world of uncertainty, whether it’s the commencement date or the competition being able to recommence,” Doorn told the Herald. “Any positivity in that space we’re really excited about.

“We have to work in the world of reality. We’ve got to live within our means, so once the number is known, which is about breaking down that uncertainty, then we’ll be much better placed to work through exactly what the implications are for staff and players.

“Everyone has accepted their lot in where we find ourselves … and people obviously don’t want that to be forever.”

Understandably, that concern is felt no more than in the playing ranks. As the Waratahs continue to train without a guarantee of when they will be back, or even what they will be paid in the medium to long-term, Doorn is sympathetic but knows tough decisions have to be made.

He doesn't think there will be a major player drain overseas given the precarious state of Australian rugby. Doorn just wants a resolution soon.

“The players are humans too … you’d have to be living under a rock to not have some level of concern,” Doorn said. “We’ve worked closely with RUPA to ensure we’re as transparent with our players as we possibly can. There are people that have been asking questions around what the future looks like. Are they happy and content to get stuck in at the moment? One-hundred per cent.

“We don’t anticipate a mass exodus or anything like that. As I keep coming back to, the one thing that will provide certainty is the broadcast deal and what it means for a competition this year. As quickly as we’ve got that, we move on to 2021 and beyond.”

As debate continues about what Super Rugby should look like next year, Doorn believes change is inevitable.

Whether that be a trans-Tasman competition, something with an Australian-only flavour or a modified version of Super Rugby is anyone’s guess but one thing is for sure - it will be hugely influenced by broadcaster appetite.

“[Change] is going to be a sheer necessity,” Doorn said. “With travel restrictions we just don’t think at this stage that what we’ve always done will be something we will always do in the future. The business mantra at the moment is you’ve got to see COVID-19 as an opportunity to reset. Whether you like it or not, it’s impacting everyone’s business.

“This provides us with a bit of an opportunity and I’m excited about working with my colleagues across Super Rugby and Rugby Australia about what that will look like. It’s a bit early to tell [what the changes will be].”