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New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson did not spit out his breakfast when news came that South Africa was turning its back on Super Rugby.
Robinson was simply not surprised Wednesday morning, after South African rugby chiefs voted to enter the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers in an expanded Pro14.
“SARU has signaled for some time that they were looking to align with the northern hemisphere season. All Sanzaar partners had agreed to see more related competitions nationally in 2020 and 2021, ”Robinson said in a statement from New Zealand Rugby.
“At times like these, change is inevitable and we must be willing to adapt quickly. “We are delighted to welcome Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa this year and we are excited about what is shaping up for 2021.”
READ MORE:
* ‘Initial discussions’ on more South African teams at PRO14
* The Springboks have yet to commit to the Rugby Championship as play will resume in South Africa.
* Sanzaar rejects report that Springboks could ditch the Rugby Championship for Europe
* The great Frans Steyn of the Springboks urges South African rugby to head north
However, South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux made it clear that leaving Super Rugby was not his preference, but rather an obligation due to New Zealand Rugby’s push for a national, trans Tasmanian or Pacific competition in response. to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Roux said the NZR stance made it impossible to hold the 14-team round-trip Super Rugby competition that had been agreed upon by all parties prior to Covid-19.
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Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and his Stormers team are set to play in Europe now instead of Super Rugby.
“Our members are excited about the prospect of a closer alignment with the PRO Rugby Championship and the pursuit of a future in the Northern Hemisphere, but we would not have made this decision had it not been for actions elsewhere,” said Roux.
The news has also prompted Sky, which has the broadcast rights to Super Rugby, to make a statement to the New Zealand Stock Exchange.
“While the implications of SARU’s decisions have yet to be fully discussed with New Zealand Rugby and its Sanzaar partners, Sky continues to have the right to stream all premium rugby content, including upcoming Bledisloe Cup matches and the Rugby Championship, in New Zealand under Sanzaar’s ongoing arrangements, ” Sky’s statement said.
“In addition, Sky enjoys a separate partnership agreement with New Zealand Rugby that gives Sky exclusive rights to any non-Sanzaar matches and competitions played in this country until at least 2025.”
South African rugby chiefs say they will now speed up preliminary talks about Pro14’s involvement, but it appears the Springboks will still be in a southern alliance for annual test rugby against the All Blacks, Wallabies and Pumas.
The friendliest time zones to watch and travel, and a lucrative European television market, have finally proven irresistible after more than a year of debating a move that was accelerated by the impact of Covid-19.
“We are also pleased to hear confirmation of South Africa’s continued commitment to remain a key partner in Sanzaar, which strongly aligns with NZR’s position. We look forward to seeing the Springboks in action during the upcoming Rugby Championship in Australia, ”said Robinson.
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New Zealand rugby boss Mark Robinson.
The Cheetahs and Southern Kings have played in the Pro14 since 2017 and will now be replaced by the more competitive teams.
It has been speculated that the Cheetahs could now be involved in a revamped Sanzaar Super Series.
“Our members are excited about the prospect of a closer alignment with the PRO Rugby Championship and the pursuit of a future in the Northern Hemisphere, but we would not have made this decision had it not been for actions elsewhere,” Roux said in a statement.
South Africa was abroad in Super Rugby with New Zealand and Australia looking to go in a different direction to try to combat the travel restrictions that have come with the international health crisis.
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South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, sees benefits in a shift north.
South Africa is now linking up with Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy.
“These are extraordinary times, if this had been an ordinary year, we would not have had this meeting,” said SA Rugby President Mark Alexander.
“But we needed to take radical measures to avoid financial collapse due to the Covid-19 crisis.”
In an extensive interview, South African rugby manager Rassie Erasmus spoke about the benefits of turning his game north.
Erasmus said there were gains for fans and teams with a move to Europe that operates in a time zone similar to South Africa.
He also felt that there was a consistency in performance across Europe that would be beneficial.
“You will play against the best players from countries that normally rank high in the world rankings. I don’t want this to be a rule because we were ranked number 7 not long ago,” Erasmus said.
“But currently, when you think about where Argentina and Australia are currently, they are in 10th and 7th place respectively. Ireland is invariably in the top four. Wales is always in the top five. Even Scotland is still very competitive
“Those are the benefits. I can also tell you about a lot of problems, but in my opinion, the moment people start getting to know the players that play there, they will find that there are a lot of South Africans in those leagues.”
“They will see that these players are very good and play at a level close to test rugby.”
