What determines the monetary value of a professional Rugby Union player? - Part 2
On field characteristics and factors that Senior Management of Professional Rugby Organisations said that they are looking for.
Figure 1: On-field characteristics as highlighted by professional rugby coaches and DOR's.
Figure 2: On-field factors as highlighted by professional rugby coaches and DOR's
As a reminder to the graphics please remember the following:
Green All participants deemed this as important.
Orange Half the participants deemed this as important.
Red Only some of the participants mentioned this as important.
Now in Part 2 we will be looking at what did Senior Management say are the on field characteristics and factors they are looking for in Professional Rugby Players.
1. On field characteristics (Senior Management)
Senior management in organisations were heterogeneous in their responses regarding on-field characteristics. There was not one characteristic that was mentioned by all interviewees as an on-field characteristic that added value to a player. Three areas were touched upon by two or more participants though.
a. Technical sporting abilities
“Players are like a phone straight out of the box. They come with pre-set factory settings”
(CEO – Currie Cup Franchise)
This is how a CEO described it when he looks at the natural ability of a player for contracting. The need for him to ensure the default settings of the player are good enough was of importance. The natural ability of the player to play the game was of importance.
b. Playing position
“The spine of the team is still important for me”
(CEO – Super Rugby Franchise)
The positions mentioned with an increased value were tighthead prop (3), a lineout lock (5), scrum-half (9) and fullback (15).
c. Zero talent moments
“They are the really important traits that get overlooked when you look at all the other stuff a player brings”
(Head of Rugby Operations – Pro 14)
When senior management mentioned ‘zero talent moments’ they were referring to it as ‘work rate’, ‘hunger’, ‘desire’ or looking for ‘warriors’. These are all characteristics that require zero talent on the field of play.
“We want players to punch well above their weight”
(Head of Recruitment - Premiership)
Figure 3: On-field characteristics as highlighted by senior management within professional rugby organisations.
2. On field factors
Once again heterogeneity in response of the interviewees was seen. Four common factors could be taken from the conversations.
a. Previous experience
Previous experience at a high level of play was mentioned by all to play a role in the monetary value of a player when joining an organisation. International experience was beneficial in this regard.
b. Consistent performance
“Players that play more regularly and often, with less injuries, are worth more and likely to be earning more”
(CEO – Super Rugby Franchise)
As senior management there was mention that players needed to be on the field of play regularly and perform consistently. The injury profile of players was mentioned as something that is evaluated when contracting takes place.
c. The way the team wants to play
Senior management needs to support the coach and the way the team wants to play. The style of play and players to fit into that model was therefore mentioned as a valuation factor.
d. Succession planning
“The depth chart in the club determines the value in certain positions. If there is a lack in certain positions, then we have to pay more to fill that position if need be”
(Head of Recruitment - Premiership)
Succession planning links in with the way the team wants to play and with the strategic plan of the organisation.
“There must be a pipeline in the organisation to make sure you have what you need in the organisation. Depth charts determine what you need and what you pay for it”
(CEO – Super Rugby Franchise)
Figure 4: On-field factors as highlighted by senior management within professional rugby organisations.
In the next issue we will be looking at on-field characteristics and factors determining the monetary value of professional Rugby Union players from the perspective of the Agent representing the player.
Summary: A one page summary slide for your benifit:
1.On field characteristics that Senior Management said they are looking for
2.On field factors that Senior Management said they are looking for
Tip: Click on above links to open summary slides
The Final Pass
