New Zealand Rugby responds to South Africa’s plans to ditch Super Rugby

New Zealand Rugby has responded to South Africa’s plans to ditch Super Rugby, saying it was not surprised by the decision.

The South African Rugby Union confirmed that they have voted to explore the possibility of moving the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions into an expanded PRO16 competition in Europe.

If approved, they would take the place of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings who have been playing in the current PRO14 competition for three seasons with little success.

SARU Executive Director Jurie Roux said they would not have made this decision if not for New Zealand Rugby’s push for a national, transtasman or Pacific competition in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Roux said New Zealand’s decision made it impossible to hold the 14-team Super Rugby competition that had been agreed by the partners and for which five-year broadcast agreements had been signed.

NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said South Africa’s position “is not a surprise.”

“SARU 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.

“We are delighted with the reception of Super Rugby Aotearoa this year and we are excited about what is shaping up for 2021.”

NZR and SARU will continue to work closely together through Sanzaar, and Roux said South Africa is committed to the Sanzaar partnership and participation in the Rugby Championship.

Robinson welcomed South Africa’s commitment to Sanzaar and looked forward to working with them in the future.

“We are also pleased to hear confirmation of South Africa’s continued commitment to remain a key partner in SANZAAR, which is strongly aligned with NZR’s position.

“We look forward to seeing the Springboks in action at the upcoming Rugby Championship in Australia.”

Meanwhile, NZR is working on its own plans for its Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, with plans for a six-team competition in 2021.

The Herald reported yesterday that Super Rugby Aotearoa 2021 will be a six-team competition if the New Zealand Rugby board approves a proposal to include a Pasifika team this week.

Next year is being treated, contractually, as unique due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 that has made it impossible to plan with certainty whether teams will be able to travel beyond their own national border.

Rugby Australia President Hamish McLennan told Sky Sport’s The Breakdown last night that he is backing a transtasman competition for 2021.

“I would like a transtasman competition. I think Covid is throwing a lot of trouble and I’m not sure where it will land as ultimately we have a really powerful Anzac block that we should leverage and work together.” “McLennan said.

“I think we are better players when we play against you. And it will only get better with time. We have a good crop of youngsters and I think the competition will improve. And we have to work together to harness our strength on the world stage together.”