The Rogues Rant #293

December 2 2021

Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

By Ron Wood

I’m not usually one to criticize Referees, but I can’t help but wholeheartedly agree with Wallaby Coach Dave Rennies comments following the Wallabies loss to Wales a couple of weeks ago. The Wallabies performance in this match was worthy of a win but they were denied by some very questionable Refereeing decisions. I reckon three of the four Match Officials on the day went into the match with pre-conceived ideas of what they were about to witness. They certainly didn’t appear to be adjudicating on what was going on in front of them. The tour stats will show three losses for the Wallabies but given the disruptions leading into the tour and some puzzling rulings in the Scottish and Welsh games in particular, most Wallabies fans would agree the tour delivered some good signs for the Wallabies as we head towards the 2023 World Cup. The UK fans and media were patting themselves on the back after three narrow wins in which the home sides in my opinion showed questionable form. Again I say hats off to the squad and Dave Rennie for a job well done despite the results.

New IDRU Director of Coaching Sean Barrett begins the Illawarriors preparations for season 2022 this weekend. The first Squad get together for Seniors and Colts hopefuls is on this Sunday December 5th at Vikings Oval from 10.00AM through to Noon. Sean has appointed his Coaching Staff for both Squads. Acting as Head Coach of the Senior Illawarriors Sean will be assisted by Stuart Roodenrys, Joe Aiono and Simon Hackett. IDRU Director Mark Freund will be Squad Manager. The Colts Squad will have Dion Miller as Head Coach, with Nick Coombs (Forwards) and Peter “Spider” Makene (Backs) as his Assistant Coaches. Daniel Sprodd will be the Colts Manager.        

The 2022 IDRU Draw should be available by the second week of January. The competition Kicks Off on Saturday 26th March with the Grand Final set for Saturday 10th September.  

Word has it that there is a real chance of the NSW Waratahs playing a home game of their Super Rugby Pacific program at WIN Stadium again in 2022. Watch this space.

Rugby Diary 2022

15th January                        Shoalhaven Womens 7’s

29th January                        NSW Waratahs V Brumbies – Eridge Park, Bowral.

19th February                       Macarthur 10’s – Camden Rugby Park

26th February                       Kiama 7’s

26th March                           IDRU Premiership Round 1

11/12th June                         NSW Country Championships – Tamworth

10th September                    IDRU Grand Final

All opinions offered in this column are the opinion of the author. They should not be considered to represent the views of the IDRU.