In this episode of Inside Line, hosts Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington dive into the shifting commercial landscape of Australian rugby. The centerpiece of the discussion is the Western Force's landmark move to a not-for-profit structure. Following a Memorandum of Understanding with Rugby WA, the hosts explore how this change aims to broaden the team's investment base beyond the Forrest family and potentially secure state government support.

In this episode of Inside Line, hosts Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington dive into the shifting commercial landscape of Australian rugby. The centerpiece of the discussion is the Western Force's landmark move to a not-for-profit structure. Following a Memorandum of Understanding with Rugby WA, the hosts explore how this change aims to broaden the team's investment base beyond the Forrest family and potentially secure state government support.

Inside Line dives deep into the most pressing talking points and breaking news from the world of rugby.

Each episode brings together a panel of experts, former players, and respected journalists to dissect the latest developments in both local and global rugby scenes.

Watch every game live on Stan Sport.

Inside Line dives deep into the most pressing talking points and breaking news from the world of rugby.
Each episode brings together a panel of experts, former players, and respected journalists to dissect the latest developments in both local and global rugby scenes.
Watch every game live on Stan Sport.

Inside Line

Inside Line dives deep into the most pressing talking points and breaking news from the world of rugby hosted by Stan Sport's Michael Atkinson and Senior Sports Reporter for The Sydney Morning Heraldain Payten.

Each episode brings together a panel of experts, former players, and respected journalists to dissect the latest developments in both local and global rugby scenes.

Watch every game live on Stan Sport.

Inside Line dives deep into the most pressing talking points and breaking news from the world of rugby hosted by Stan Sport's Michael Atkinson and Senior Sports Reporter for The Sydney Morning Heraldain Payten.
Each episode brings together a panel of experts, former players, and respected journalists to dissect the latest developments in both local and global rugby scenes.
Watch every game live on Stan Sport.

Investing and Not For Profits: The Business of Rugby

The boys break down the biggest talking points in Australian rugby, including the shock Zac Lomax switch from league to rugby and why it has sparked such a reaction. They also cover major team news, Replay-gate and what went wrong with the broadcast chain of communication.

Plus a look at the Wallaroos squad, the new Super Rugby Women’s draw starting 6 June, and your mailbag questions on Victoria missing out on Tests and how rugby can diversify revenue like the NRL.

The boys break down the biggest talking points in Australian rugby, including the shock Zac Lomax switch from league to rugby and why it has sparked such a reaction. They also cover major team news, Replay-gate and what went wrong with the broadcast chain of communication.
Plus a look at the Wallaroos squad, the new Super Rugby Women&rsquo;s draw starting 6 June, and your mailbag questions on Victoria missing out on Tests and how rugby can diversify revenue like the NRL.

The Lingering Lomax Question, Selection Surprises and an absent Wallaroos Star

In this episode of Inside Line, Michael Atkinson (Stan Sport) and Iain Payten (SMH) dive deep into the "geopolitics" of global rugby following explosive reports from the Northern Hemisphere. 

The boys peel back the layers on rumors that Australia and New Zealand are conspiring to "depower" the scrum, exploring why nations like South Africa and France are so quick to believe the Aussies are out to turn Union into League.

The discussion shifts from boardroom battles to the latest scandals and safety trials:


The Springbok Cloud: Digging into the UK Telegraph’s report on the six-fold decrease in drug testing in South Africa and what it means for their recent World Cup triumphs.


The Ben Donaldson HIA: A look at the new pre-game concussion protocols that saw the Force fly-half pulled just minutes before kickoff due to a "mouthguard ping."


The Zach Lomax Lockdown: With the NRL courts ruling that Lomax can't play for a rival until 2028, could a move to the Brumbies or the Force be back on the table? Payto breaks down the "price point" reality of luring League stars to Union.

In this episode of Inside Line, Michael Atkinson (Stan Sport) and Iain Payten (SMH) dive deep into the "geopolitics" of global rugby following explosive reports from the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;
The boys peel back the layers on rumors that Australia and New Zealand are conspiring to "depower" the scrum, exploring why nations like South Africa and France are so quick to believe the Aussies are out to turn Union into League.
The discussion shifts from boardroom battles to the latest scandals and safety trials:
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
The Springbok Cloud: Digging into the UK Telegraph&rsquo;s report on the six-fold decrease in drug testing in South Africa and what it means for their recent World Cup triumphs.
</li>
<li>
The Ben Donaldson HIA: A look at the new pre-game concussion protocols that saw the Force fly-half pulled just minutes before kickoff due to a "mouthguard ping."
</li>
<li>
The Zach Lomax Lockdown: With the NRL courts ruling that Lomax can't play for a rival until 2028, could a move to the Brumbies or the Force be back on the table? Payto breaks down the "price point" reality of luring League stars to Union.
</li>
</ul>

The Great Scrum Conspiracy & The Lomax Lockdown

In this episode of Inside Line, the team breaks down a massive Round 2 of rugby action, headlined by a historic Brumbies victory in Christchurch. Is Stephen Larkham actually in the sights of the NZRU, or is it all just Tasman smoke?

We dive into the "Ferrari Faltering" narrative surrounding Joseph Suaalii’s recent performances and look at the fascinating stats showing Australian sides are keeping the ball in hand more than their Kiwi counterparts. Plus, we discuss the latest developments on the elusive Global Calendar.

In this episode of Inside Line, the team breaks down a massive Round 2 of rugby action, headlined by a historic Brumbies victory in Christchurch. Is Stephen Larkham actually in the sights of the NZRU, or is it all just Tasman smoke?
We dive into the "Ferrari Faltering" narrative surrounding Joseph Suaalii&rsquo;s recent performances and look at the fascinating stats showing Australian sides are keeping the ball in hand more than their Kiwi counterparts. Plus, we discuss the latest developments on the elusive Global Calendar.

Investing and Not For Profits: The Business of Rugby

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