The Australian rugby team, known as the Wallabies, has been struggling in recent years. They have lost 18 of their past 24 games and won just once in their eight matches under coach Eddie Jones. The decline of Australian rugby has been attributed to several factors, including:
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Institutional Advantage: Australia had an institutional advantage when rugby first became shamateur and then professional. They already had an established pro rugby league.
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Financial Crisis: The pandemic exposed a financial crisis in Australian rugby that drove Rugby Australia (RA) to the brink of bankruptcy and oblivion.
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Leadership Issues: Multiple leadership teams at Rugby Australia refused to address the truths that all in the local rugby community could see. Rugby in Oz was gravely ill.
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Injuries: The Wallabies suffered an enormous injury toll in 2022, where injuries affected 40 players - including an “alarming” four Achilles tendon ruptures.
Most recently, the Wallabies suffered a heavy defeat to Wales in the Rugby World Cup, ending their campaign in the first round. This loss has exposed the state of Australian rugby union.
