Keith Gleeson, a former Ireland rugby player, expresses his concerns about the future of professional rugby in Australia. Gleeson, who was raised in Sydney and has lived in Ireland, highlights the challenges faced by Super Rugby in Australia, particularly its late-night broadcast times and low viewership. He believes that the game's popularity in Australia is declining, and that Super Rugby may fall in a few years. Gleeson also discusses the financial disparities between rugby union and rugby league, noting that the latter has secured a significant television rights deal. He suggests that rugby union needs to offer more competitive salaries and create more localised rivalries to attract players and fans. Gleeson also advocates for merging and tiering schools competitions to create a more engaging rugby culture in Australia. He reflects on his own experiences playing for Ireland and Leinster, and expresses his admiration for Andy Farrell's leadership and the team's performance. Overall, Gleeson's insights offer a critical perspective on the state of rugby in Australia and the challenges it faces in maintaining its popularity and competitiveness.
