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More than one Pacific side vying for inclusion in Super Rugby replacement

By Online Editors
(Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)

Until now, the former All Blacks-funded Kanaloa Hawaii venture has attracted all the attention as the sole known Pasifika side set to be considered for inclusion in next year’s Super Rugby replacement. Reports out of New Zealand suggest that another side Pacific heritage team has also expressed interest in joining an NZ competition, however.

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As the war of words rages on between New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia, the chances of the two nations teaming up to create a new competition to take the place of Super Rugby seem less and less likely by the day. Both unions have expressed interest in including a Pacific Island team alongside their local sides, however, with a tug-of-wear appearing to break out over Kanaloa Hawaii.

According to the New Zealand Herald, however, a second Auckland-based side have also put in a bid to play alongside the likes of the Blues and the Crusaders – and some heavyweights of the game are putting their weight behind the proposal.

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The Herald has suggested that during the process of trying to arrange a match between the All Blacks and a Pacific XV, a potential long-term option has also arisen, which would see a Pacific side join the Kiwi franchises in a proposed 8-10 team competition.

The New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) is allegedly facilitating discussions between the team of stakeholders interested in setting up a Pacific franchise in NZ, including the likes of former All Blacks Eroni Clarke and Michael Jones.

NZRPA boss Rob Nichol confirmed the option was currently being discussed but declined to give any further details.

While the venture run by the Kanaloa Hawaii consortium would likely operate independently but still be governed by the NZR’s tournament rules, this rumoured franchise would be more closely tied to New Zealand Rugby.

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Eroni Clarke was recently appointed NZR’s first-ever Pasifika engagement manager and has previously spoken about his desire to improve Pacific representation throughout the game.

“We’ve long had a desire to have a Pacific-led team in Super Rugby,” he told the Herald prior to the latest revelations. “The wonderful thing is we are drawing closer to the dream coming to fruition.

“It really does put a stake in the ground for Pacific people. It aligns with a lot of where New Zealand Rugby is but also global rugby and the recognition of Pacific contribution to the game.

“We’re much closer to it now than we’ve ever been before. It would open doors, provide opportunities, for the aspirations of the Pacific community to normalise areas that we haven’t been prevalent in before. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”

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While discussions between NZR and RA have stalled due ostensibly to the Australian board’s perception that their NZ equivalents have shown them minimal respect during the negotiation period, there are still hopes that a trans-Tasman competition could emerge from the rubble of Super Rugby.

NZR have effectively signalled that they would be willing to consider including up to four Australia sides in their proposed competition – but fewer would be more desirable. RA, on the other hand, are set on all five of their sides being maintained for the future.

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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