[ad_1]
Mark Robinson (New Zealand Rugby – Twitter)
The New Zealand rugby union called for a quick reaction on Wednesday when South Africa pulled most of its teams from Super Rugby, ending the once-admired southern hemisphere competition after 25 years.
Executive Director of NZR Mark Robinson tried to downplay the move, which follows months of turmoil sparked by the coronavirus crisis, saying it was “not a surprise.”
South Africa said it was seeking four teams to enter PRO14 Europe, criticizing New Zealand’s “unilateral decision” to seek a national or trans-Tasman version of Super Rugby.
“SARU (South Africa Rugby Union) has signaled for some time that they were looking to align with the Northern Hemisphere season,” Robinson said in a statement.
“All Sanzaar partners had agreed to consider more related competitions at the national level in 2020 and 2021. At times like these, change is inevitable and we must be ready to adapt quickly.”
South Africa’s move confirms that South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina (Sanzaar) will not be able to deliver the 14-team Super Rugby competition already promised to broadcasters in a five-year contract.
Super Rugby, long criticized for being unwieldy, had planned to cut 14 teams out of 15 next year, kicking out the Sunwolves from Japan. But this season was halted by the coronavirus, prompting New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to go solo with national tournaments.
The pandemic has now proven to be the catalyst for the disintegration of Super Rugby, which was long praised for its engaging and fluid play before excessive expansion began to separate the competition.
Sanzaar declined to comment on South Africa’s move, saying he would wait until an executive council meeting is expected in the next few weeks. Rugby Australia also declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
South Africa said the world champion Springboks remained committed to the Sanzaar Four-Nation Rugby Championship, the scheduling of which has prompted complaints from the All Blacks as their players face spending Christmas in quarantine.
New Zealand’s Robinson said that all four Sanzaar partners had already agreed to see more country-related competitions in 2020 and 2021. But South Africa said it had rejected the option to play in more national series.
The South African Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will now explore joining PRO14, while the Cheetahs will be available for a possible ‘Super Series’ formed from the remnants of Super Rugby, provided their participation is “at least profitable”. .
“Our members are excited about the prospect of a closer alignment with PRO Rugby and the pursuit of a future in the Northern Hemisphere,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.
“However, we would not have made this decision if it were not for actions elsewhere,” he added, referring to the decisions of New Zealand and Australia.
An important part of PRO14’s appeal to South Africa is the time zone with the widest difference between South Africa and Great Britain and Ireland being two hours over six months each year, compared to 11 hours in New Zealand.
Throughout 25 years of Super Rugby, South Africans have had to watch games from New Zealand and Japan before breakfast, from Australia at mid-morning and from Argentina after midnight.
New Zealand is working on plans for a second national Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, with the possibility of its five national franchises teaming up on one side of the Pacific islands.
Australia supports the prospect of a trans-Tasmanian competition, although the two sides have disagreed on how many Australian teams will participate.
“I think we are better players when we play against you. And it will only get better with time,” Rugby Australia president Hamish McLennan told Sky Sport’s “The Breakdown”.
“We have a good crop of youngsters and I think the competition will improve,” he said.
“And we have to work together to harness our strength together on the world stage.”
