BY JOHN DAVIDSON
“BRAIN DRAIN is a slang term indicating substantial emigration or migration of individuals. A brain drain can result from turmoil within a nation, the existence of favorable professional opportunities in other countries, or from a desire to seek a higher standard of living.”
In my opinion rugby league, especially in the UK, is suffering its own brain or talent drain. That there is a growing drift of talented, capable and intelligent people away from the sport they love and are interested in.
You can argue in terms of players this has been happening for years and years and is nothing new.
Many promising players head to rugby union because they see greater financial rewards, more employment opportunities or better post-playing prospects. That has been going on for decades.
But the talent drain is not just on the pitch, but significantly off it as well. In the past 12 to 18 months I’ve lost track of the amount of people I’ve spoken to who are disillusioned with rugby league or have walked away from the sport.
This is not just fans, but coaches, journalists, media managers, marketers, administrators, commentators and agents. A whole stream of individuals who have a lot to offer, but seemingly little future in rugby league.
Some are tired of the politics in the sport, of the old boys network and the actions of many to protect their tiny little corners of it. Others are fed up with the smallness, the lack of opportunity, the cheerleading, the bullshit, the fact that very little changes over time and that transparency is rare.
Look at former GB international and Wigan, London, Warrington and Widnes hooker Jon Clarke. He joined the coaching staff of the Vikings when he retired, but he is now a highly valued head of strength and conditioning with Eddie Jones’ England national rugby union side.
Look at Sally Bolton, who was CEO of Wigan and then worked for the RFL, winning an OBE for successfully delivering the 2013 World Cup. She later moved on to athletics and is now CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Look at Mark Evans, now CEO of Global Rapid Rugby. He has worked in rugby union, had a spell as CEO of the Melbourne Storm, then moved to netball and is now back in union.
Look at Danny Reuben, a Leeds Rhinos fan who worked in PR for the club and then the RFL. Now he is heading up media for the England national cricket team, to much acclaim.
Another example is Brett Cullen, who once worked as a PR officer for Castleford Tigers. He is now head of social at the public relations agency Hatch Communications. There are many, many, many other examples out there.
Part of the problem is the small nature of British rugby league, an arguably shrinking beast. The national profile of the game has diminished, and with it career opportunities in many associated fields have disappeared.
If you have skill, ability and intelligence, why would you seek to employ those traits in rugby league? Better to attach your talents to football, cricket or another pursuit.
Often gifted administrators hit the glass ceiling in rugby league or are head-hutted to join other codes. We are used to losing our best and brightest.
The same can be said in the media. Reporters and pundits show promise, but seek work in other areas. Offering scrutiny, or asking questions, is usually looked down upon in rugby league. Criticising is discouraged. Conformity is the norm.
Passion is one thing, but paying your rent and providing for your family is another and actually more important.
I know of one former player who wanted to go into coaching, but is fed up with rugby league after several depressing experiences, including being lied to and exploited by one Championship club owner. Instead now he runs two businesses, one in a different sporting field.
Another talented coach has been sidelined despite a winning track record and a background of success in two different countries. Was he too upfront and honest? Did not kiss the right arse or not fall into line? Regardless, he is left rotting on the vine while other, less-accomplished coaches get positions.
I know of another proficient individual who wanted to get involved with a club, who has a successful track record in business and marketing, but who was shunned and knocked back by the old school mafia at this particular club hell-bent on keeping control.
It’s a theme that is repeated again and again in UK rugby league.
For too long we see the same old tired faces and individuals year after year, decade after decade. Where is the new blood to shake up the sport? Where is the fresh perspectives to offer new ideas and strategies?
Most industries, and indeed, countries suffer their own brain drain. You cannot always keep your best and brightest. It is a fact of life.
But rugby league is not blessed with tonnes and tonnes of hugely talented, enthusiastic, intelligent and hard-working people. We don’t have an endless supply.
And the game needs to do more to try and keep some of these people within its fold. It needs to recognize talent and ability and promise, and attempt to encourage and reward it.
More of the same, and keeping the status quo, is not going to deliver the change and the growth most of us are hoping for.
