Tag Archives: Super rugby 2021

The structure of Super Rugby (SR) has long been untenable and it is time to blow it up and start fresh.

For some time, as an Australian, I subscribed to the idea that we needed a Pacific or trans-Tasman competition. I now believe that this would be unfair to South Africa and would face the same sustainability issues.

I believe the future of Super Rugby is in the structure of a Championship Cup in a similar mould to the Heineken Cup in Europe. The top teams for domestic leagues in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan would qualify for the Cup for a home and away pool stage followed by playoffs. There would be a financial burden to begin with, however the domestic leagues across the SANZAAR nations, coupled with the Championship Cup could offer an attractive broadcast package.