Rugby: South African Super Rugby planned departure confirmed

Super Rugby, as we have known it in the professional era since 1996, is coming to an end.

The South African Rugby Union has confirmed its vote to explore the possibility of transferring the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions to 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.

“SA Rugby would now accelerate preliminary discussions with PRO Rugby Championship DAC on representing SA Rugby in the competition,” said a statement from South Africa Rugby.

In the statement, SARU Executive Director Jurie Roux said they would not have made this decision were it not for New Zealand Rugby’s push for a national, transtasman or peaceful 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.

“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.

Roux said SA Rugby remains committed to the Sanzaar partnership and participation in the Rugby Championship.

“We will inform our Sanzaar partners about the decision of the General Board,” Roux said.

“We remain part of the joint venture and will continue the ‘Super Series’ discussions in good faith.”

It is another blow for the Sanzaar partners who could not accept the schedule for the next Rugby Championship in Australia. Both New Zealand and Australia endorsed a five-week tournament, while South Africa and Argentina preferred a six-week tournament, meaning the All Blacks will face Christmas in quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand.

South Africa has provided three Super Rugby champions since the first Super 12 tournament in 1996 which involved four South African teams. Its franchises grew to a maximum of six in 2016.

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’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.”