ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Rugby Australia has been left laughing at their own mistake today after remembering that they actually already have an explosive, action-packed domestic competition, just days after announcing a new one.
Interim CEO Rob Clarke spoke briefly to the media this morning outside Rugby Australia’s headquarters in Sydney’s east, where he apologised on behalf of the organisation and looks forward to what this year old’s for the NRC.
“You can’t blame me for not remembering, I’ve only been in the job a few weeks!” laughed Clarke.
Every single reporter there, including our Sydney correspondent, laughed genuinely. One from ESPN even felt the need to slap the knee of his king-sized Big W jeans.
“But yeah, boys and girls, I actually forgot about the NRC when I made the announcement the other day that we were looking to start a domestic rugby competition this year as the other countries won’t be able to join us, sadly,”
“Well, we probably need a little bit more time to work on a few things in our game before we let the Kiwis back in!”
More laughter. Some guy from Fox Sports shook his head and wiped away the tears.
“Jesus, Clarkey! Your fucking killing me!”
“Sorry! [laughs] So get ready for some sport, everyone! Rugby’s back! How good is this?”
“We’ll get back to like fully rebuilding Rugby next year, I mean, I’m not going to piss in your pockets. This year will be tough!”
Some respectful silence.
“But if I don’t get my act together next year, who knows? Maybe the Wallaby captains will send me an angry letter, too!”
Explosive, earth-shattering laughter. Someone from the Telegraph actually collapsed onto the ground and rolled about holding their little tum tum.
More to come.
