Bushpigs fear CSU partnership in jeopardy over proposed policy for 75 per cent student membership

The club formed in 1972 as Rivcoll Bushpigs at the then Riverina College of Advanced Education, which later became CSU (as did the football club in 2009).

But as their 50^th anniversary approaches, Bushpigs president Cam Humphries (who is a student) said the proposal would be unworkable for the Farrer League club.

"Yes. At the moment we have about 70 per cent student base but getting to 75 is really hard, and to still be competitive," Humphries said.

"We've been there in the past, basically all student-based, and I think everyone can remember that - the 'Pigs of a few years ago getting pumped by a hundred points every week. No-one enjoys that.

"To remain competitive and to have a spot in the Farrer League, you need to have some outside players."

For its part, the university points out it's a draft policy, that it is seeking consultation, and that clubs can apply for special consideration.

CSU said it wants a vibrant array of clubs for students with opportunities for meaningful connections with communities.

But the idea rocked some CSU sports clubs involved in community competitions including Southern Inland Rugby's Reddies as well as the Bushpigs.

Humphries is worried.

"If this policy goes ahead, we'd have to be turning away potential people who want to come and play for the Bushpigs," he said.

"We've had apprentices who move to Wagga and want to get to know guys around the same age and come and play for the 'Pigs.

"If we go under our 75 per cent student cap, we can't allow them to stay and would have to tell them to find another club.

"It's just not a viable option going forward. Some years you might have big turnover and lose 20 or 30 students, and you may not always pick that many up.

"I believe the only way forward if this policy does go ahead - and the discussion would be had within our club - would be complete disaffiliation from the uni and run under our own identity.

"But that would cause its own problems and you could lose a lot of your student base then."

The Bushpigs are awaiting the university process, with CSU saying it extended its consultation by a week given the amount of feedback received, and that further feedback will be sought.

In a statement, CSU executive director of student services, Jacqueline Clements, said the organisation is aiming to provide clear guidance and encourage strong student involvement.

"As part of their fees Charles Sturt students contribute financially to the costs associated to administer and support all of the University's clubs. As such, we want to make sure there is an appropriate return on this contribution by maximising the student participation in these clubs," the statement said.

"Should decisions be made to adopt new policies, executives and members of impacted clubs will have the opportunity to request special consideration. This process will not be limited to a single stage of review by one person, and we will work with the students to achieve the best outcome.

"Charles Sturt wants to maintain and support a vibrant community of clubs for its students, one which canvasses a broad spectrum of interests to help ensure our students are given every opportunity to make meaningful connections with their communities."

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