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The Super Rugby competition gradually moved away from what made it great as participating nations mistakenly tried to use it to replace their national rugby competitions.
That point of view has been voiced frequently by critics over the years, but it’s also how current Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos sees it in a year that has given everyone involved in the game a chance. to think deeply about what comes next.
Stuff
Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos says Super Rugby tried to “take over” national rugby competitions.
“First of all, it remains a critical element of player development and high performance pathways, and is inextricably linked to the success of the national teams,” Marinos told Stuff in an honest interview.
“But I guess my point of view on this is that I think over time we have tended to try to make Super Rugby the solution for national rugby in our markets, as opposed to what was initially proposed.
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“That was to provide a high-level competition structure, very fast, short and impressive, that complements the domestic structure in each of the countries, does not assume the domestic structures.”
Marinos’ comments are a measured but firm repudiation of the years of expansion that preceded his tenure, when Super Rugby became a complex 18-team beast in 2016.
The Sunwolves, Kings, Cheetahs and Western Force were later eliminated from the competition (although the Force are playing in Super Rugby AU), and Marinos strongly believes in the “less is more” argument.
“I still believe our best solution was in the 10-12 team competition structure,” Marinos said, referring to the happy years of the competition. “And I think Super Rugby would really resonate and appeal if that was a consideration going forward.”
Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Cory Jane in action for Hurricanes against the Force in 2016, when Super Rugby featured 18 teams.
However, Marinos knows that it may not be possible, or even likely.
He acknowledges that the future of the competition is not in Sanzaar’s hands: “That is a question for New Zealand rugby … We coordinate on behalf of the unions and there are different views among Sanzaar partners on what it might be possible in the future. ” – and that, ultimately, Covid-19 and border restrictions will have a great influence.
However, he remains convinced of the value of the Sanzaar alliance, and gave his nod of approval to the Super Eight competition launched by Rugby Australia, which would at least keep some ties between New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina (and possibly Japan) at the level. below test rugby.
“I think so [that it could work], “he said.” It is more important to keep the strength of the Sanzaar alliance intact.
“I really think I had the benefit of experiencing it, from the other side of the white line [as a player], prepares and prepares you for the next level of international rugby. “
Mark Nolan / Getty Images
Adam Ashley-Cooper scores for the Waratahs in the 2014 final against the Crusaders in Sydney.
As for the immediate future of Super Rugby, Marinos became the latest to express doubts that anything other than a national competition was possible by 2021.
“[A lot] of the permutations will be promoted by the current border controls, ”he said.
“If border movement is less restricted and we are able to open up, it provides many more opportunities.
“…[but] we are receiving very strong indications that the borders will not be open, or will not be freely accessible, in the first quarter of next year ”.
Simon Alekna SPA / Things
Casey Laulala is approached by Phil Waugh in 2005, the final year of the Super 12 format.
Since Sanzaar’s future role is unclear, Marinos’ role has also become the subject of speculation.
The Sydney-based manager was recently linked to the Rugby Australia CEO position, which is currently held by Rob Clarke on an interim basis, and Marinos did not deny interest in that position.
“It’s like most things, we live in an unpredictable environment and there is a lot of speculation,” he said.
“I’m really focused on maintaining the Sanzaar alliance and getting some normalcy back in our competition structures at this stage.”
