Decision on trans-Tasman Super Rugby for 2021 to be made within next month and a half
While New Zealand and Australia have both settled on plans for the domestic 2020 season, which was originally turned on its head due to the coronavirus pandemic, there’s still much to be decided for 2021.
With international travel limited, New Zealand’s five Super Rugby sides are playing one another in a 10-week round-robin competition which kicked off last weekend. The Australian teams plus the Western Force will compete in a similar competition starting next month.
Although it’s impossible to say when border restrictions will be lifted, there’s hope that some of the countries that have the pandemic more under control could potentially open up travel amongst themselves. There’s been plenty of talk regarding a potential trans-Tasman bubble for some time while the Pacific Islands and even Japan have managed to limit COVID-19 cases.
From a rugby point of view, that could open the door to trial a Champion’s Cup-style tournament in 2021 involving the aforementioned countries. While South Africa and Argentina form SANZAAR alongside NZ and Australia, expectations are that neither of those nations will be in a position where regular competition is feasible or affordable for next year – at least at this stage.
New Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has suggested that nothing has been confirmed for next season just yet but that a decision is due very shortly.
Kurtley Beale signed with Racing 92 earlier this year but was still set to represent the @NSWWaratahs for the remainder of the season. #Wallabies #SuperRugbyAUhttps://t.co/DUfVTU4wmu
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“If it’s to happen with New Zealand, we need to decide it all in the next four to six weeks,” McLennan told ABC News on Saturday. “There are a lot of things up in the air because of the pandemic. Our desire is to do something with New Zealand. We’re having some informal conversations with the Kiwis at the moment.
“We think a cross-Tasman competition given the pandemic and the fact we’re lucky to be living in this part of the world … if we can do something between the two countries that would be ideal.”
The first three games of New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa competition have attracted massive audiences. The Highlanders’, Blues’ and Chiefs’ home matches have all been played in front of close to sell-out crowds while SKY revealed earlier this week that TV viewership had skyrocketed since the early stages of the initial Super Rugby season that kicked off in January this year.
While the NZ matches are obviously capturing plenty of attention at this stage, questions remain whether bringing the Australian sides back into the fold will actually increase or decrease interest. Naturally, McLennan wants his nation involved – ideally with all five of Australia’s current and former Super Rugby teams taking part.
“The team construct still has to be decided,” McLennan said. “I’d like to think the Western Force could be in there. I think Twiggy Forrest has been terrific to me over the last couple of weeks. I think West Australian representation is really important … so it would be nice if we had five teams but it’s too early to say.”
McLennan also revealed that the United States and England could be Australia’s biggest challengers to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“We hear the US and potentially England may have a crack, so we’ll just wait and see but there’s a few months for the other bidders to register their interest,” he said.
England last hosted the World Cup in 2015. The tournament was played in Japan last year while the next event will be hosted by France, making it the third World Cup in a row held in the Northern Hemisphere.
Australia are the only nation to have officially confirmed a bid for 2027 at this stage.
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments