Former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has lauded South Africa’s rugby culture, saying it forms a large part of the Springboks’ sustained success.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, McKenzie said a strong focus on rugby culture far outweighs good structure and financial backing.
“Culture drives the rest of it. If you have a strong rugby culture, the money and the organisational side of things, will follow,” said McKenzie. He says this is in stark contrast to his country where rugby league and the AFL is better supported than rugby union.
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“Australia would be a different rugby country if we didn’t have other sports competing in the same space.
“If you just took all the relative athletes and have them focus on one sport, you’ll have more available. That’s broadly what South Africa has managed to do.”
The former Wallabies boss said rugby’s unique appeal is that it creates opportunities for athletes with a wide range of physical attributes.
“Especially with the all shapes and sizes aspect of rugby. It offers all different body shapes opportunities, and we’ve got to protect that.”
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