1
SANZAAR takes Twitter bashing from players and fans over 'kick in the guts' for Sunwolves
Fans from all over the world have taken to Twitter to react to the news that the Sunwolves will be axed from Super Rugby after the 2020 season.
ADVERTISEMENT
The decision was announced by SANZAAR after it became unsustainable for the Japanese outfit to remain in the competition as the Japan Rugby Football Union could not continue to financially underwrite them after 2020. The team will remain in the competition in 2020, before it reverts back to a 14-team round robin competition.
Many fans have taken to Twitter to lambast SANZAAR’s handling of the competition. Super Rugby was expanded to 18 teams in 2016, before Australia’s Western Force, as well as South Africa’s Cheetahs and Southern Kings were axed. Another alteration to the competition has left many fans wondering what the future has in store for Super Rugby, with interest dwindling.
Could SANZAAR be a bigger joke? Should be unwound immediately
— Nick Garling (@CrookedRiverCap) March 20, 2019
A prolonged, distasteful process, undermining their proven gains.
Super Rugby is a tainted, declining product.— Gregory Dodwell (@gregreedee) March 20, 2019
Couldn’t organise the proverbial in a proverbial
— Bernard Kelly (@BernardatBKP) March 20, 2019
The whole concept does seem to have had its day….
— Sunil Awasthi (@sa9321) March 20, 2019
I am so over the Muppets that run this comp
— Peter Wendt (@peter_wendt1) March 20, 2019
Really, really poor. Super Rugby: 23 years in and still no idea what kind of competition they should be running.
— Blair Kelly (@ClearBelly) March 22, 2019
Sunwolves axed from Super Rugby, ironically they are having their best season…. further underlines that fact that SANZAR are a bit of a joke.
— Jason Garrick (@kiwiyorkie88) March 22, 2019
Super Rugby = shambles
— Andy Pan (@Rewster7) March 22, 2019
However, this announcement has not been met with universal disdain. Once heralded as the best competition in world rugby, Super Rugby has been on a steady decline in recent years. The quality has become diluted as teams have been added to the competition, compared to the days of fewer teams but of a higher quality. In that regard, many fans are excited to see Super Rugby return to how it used to be, particularly with a simplified format.
Although the Sunwolves have gradually improved in the competition, shown by their first victory on New Zealand soil this year against the Chiefs, they are still a far-cry from the consistent standard that many fans would want to see. Therefore, in terms of the quality of Super Rugby, many fans can get on board with this decision.
ADVERTISEMENT
Additionally, South African teams and fans support this idea, particularly due to the vast amount of travelling that is involved, which also entails trips to Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, and has subsequently seen viewing figures plummet. However, with a number of South African teams showing an interest in joining the northern hemisphere’s Pro14 competition, the future may still remain nebulous.
Great NEWS indeed back to having a great competition!!
— ??BlackPearl Thembs?? (@BlackFireFly892) March 22, 2019
Finally , the way it is supposed to be.
— Craig Thompson (@RAINKINGX1) March 22, 2019
Have to feel for Sunwolves but overall a much more appealing format
— Russell (@russinsing) March 22, 2019
Thank goodness.
— Johnny Mc (@BrumbyinTahland) March 22, 2019
Makes more sense but harsh on the Sunwolves
— Jackie Treehorn (@dbp_sydney) March 22, 2019
SA sides have the worst travel schedule than any other union in the competition that is compounded by the Sunwolves. few Saffas will even watch the game against the wolves. The money has to be made up somewhere.
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) March 22, 2019
Australia was behind this conference mess.
Need to go back to round robin ASAP.
— wadesgotit (@wadesgotit) March 20, 2019
As Super Rugby is only realizing now, bigger isn't always better. Quality will always prevail over quantity. Super Rugby must be the best teams from NZ, AUS & RSA. No complicated tables and bullshit. Just one log, home & away games with semi's and final.
— Gazareth (@Gazareth_D) March 22, 2019
The addition of the Sunwolves was initially done to promote the globalisation of rugby, however, many feel that it was never sustainable. But with Japan hosting the World Cup this year, losing their Super Rugby franchise the year after seems like one step forward and another backwards to many fans. In the short term, concerns are being raised as to how the moribund Sunwolves can drum up support over the next season and a half. They currently have a strong fanbase in Japan, and it is yet to be seen what will happen now this announcement has been made.
ADVERTISEMENT
Questions are also being asked by fans as to where this leaves Japanese rugby after the World Cup. Of course, SANZAAR needs to think about promoting the floundering Super Rugby competition, but many fans feel like that is being done at the expense of one of rugby’s biggest developing nations.
Superb effort from all involved with #SuperRugby to cull Sunwolves next term. Great way to build on a first World Cup in Japan later this year, demonstrating a level of idiocy they should all be proud of. Rugby again shooting itself in the foot.
— Ned Keating (@nedkeating) March 22, 2019
So we're winding back the clock to 2010, the final year of Super 14. Next stop is 2005, the final year of Super 12 and then we'll flick South Africa – or they'll flick us – and it will all cease. And likely needs to. Japan. WRC venue? Sure thing. Grow the game there? Crickets.
— Tim Cox (@timcoxtweets) March 20, 2019
Decision to cut the Sunwolves from Super Rugby after the 2020 season is frustrating, even if expected. Japan and the Asian region will be a hotbed in the post-World Cup years, and their removal from one of the world's best club competitions can only be a blow.
— Andrew (@AMSinclair97) March 22, 2019
@WorldRugby and @brettgosper must be toothless Tigers. Not the way to go when you have the RWC on your door step and flick a Japanese team out of Super Rugby ?, Where is the governing body?
— Observer (@rugby_whisperer) March 22, 2019
Look, I don't follow rugby closely at all. But I love how they've scrapped the Sunwolves after all the tix for RWC games were sold. What a kick in the guts for Japanese Rugby.
— Ben Williams (@BenitoWill) March 22, 2019
Fans: “But Japan’s the third biggest economy in the world.”
Rugby officials: “Nah, cut.”
Fans: “But the World Cup there this year will only grow exposure of the game there.”
Rugby officials: “Look, don’t attack me with your flawless logic. Cut.”#sunwolves— Jon Tuxworth (@Tuxy81) March 22, 2019
The most passionate fans in Super Rugby just lost their team. With Japan about to host the Rugby World Cup and see even more growth in the sport, SANZAAR cuts the @sunwolves to leave the South African, Aussie and Kiwi conference untouched. #SANZAAR are destroying rugby.
— Haydn Kruger (@Haydnkruger) March 20, 2019
It must be painful for the fans…
— #2019SuperRugby? (@Nyambossee) March 22, 2019
Wallaby legend Tim Horan has also joined the discussion on Twitter, describing how there is “so much momentum in Japanese and Asian rugby”. However, former Wallaby Dean Mumm has described the state of affairs most succinctly on Twitter, describing the Sunwolves’ addition as “short sighted”, but highlighting how Japan have now been excluded.
This is what they said:
A real shame for the Sunwolves and Japanese rugby supporters. There is so much momentum in Japanese and Asian rugby. The atmosphere at Sunwolves matches is hard to beat at Super Rugby level. @FOXRUGBY https://t.co/TsotTQ49vp
— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) March 20, 2019
Saddened to hear to @sunwolves are leaving @SuperRugby . A short sighted solution in my opinion. They have shown themselves to be a team of grit and growth when placed in the correct conference. A nation learning to love rugby has now been excluded after hosting a RWC.
— Dean Mumm (@DeanMumm) March 21, 2019
Rugby seems to be going through a lot of changes at the moment, both at a club level and an international level, but this is one that many saw coming as SANZAAR are desperately trying to tweak Super Rugby in an attempt to return to its halcyon days.
Comments on RugbyPass
You probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
12 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
1 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
1 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
4 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
16 Go to commentsJake White is a brilliant coach and a master in the press. This is another masterclass in media relations and PR but its also a very narrow view with arguments that dont always hold water. White wants his team to win, he wants the best players in SA and wants his team competitive. You however have to face up to the reality of a poor exchange rate and big clubs with big budgets. SA Rugby cant compete and unless it can find more money SA players will keep leaving regardless of Springbok eligibility and this happened in 2015 - 2017. Also rugby is not cricket. Cricket has 3 formats and T20 cricket is where the money is at. When it comes to club vs country the IPL is king but that wont happen because the international calendar does not clash with the club calendar in rugby. So the argument about rugby going down the same path as cricket is really a non-starter
16 Go to commentsNZ rugby seem not to have learnt anything from professional rugby. Super rugby was dying and SA left before they died with the competition. SA rugby did a u turn on their approach to international players playing overseas and such players are now selected for Bok teams. As much as each country would love to retain their players playing in local competitions, this is the way the world is evolving my friends. Move with it or stay 20 years behind the times. One more thing. NZ rugby hierarchy think they are the big cheese. Take a more humble approach guys. You do not seem to have your players best interests at heart.
3 Go to commentsBeaches? In Cardiff? Where?
1 Go to commentsHe is right , the Crusaders will be a threat. Scott Barrett, ( particularly), Fergus Burke , Codie Taylor, ( from sabbatical) etc due back soon for the Crusaders. There are others like Zach Gallagher too. People can right the Crusaders off, Top 8 , here we come !!
1 Go to commentsWe will always struggle for money to match the other sides but the least the WRU can do is invest properly in Welsh rugby. Too much has been squandered on vanity projects like the hotel and roof walk amongst others which will never see a massive return. Hanging the 4 pro sides out to dry over the last decade is now coming back to bite the WRU financially as well as on the pitch. You reap what you sow.
1 Go to commentsWhat do you get if you cross a doctor with a fish? A plastic sturgeon
14 Go to commentsWhat happened to feleti Kaitu’u? Hasnt played in a while right?
1 Go to commentsGregor I just can’t agree with you. You are trying to find something that just isn’t there. Jordie Barrett has signed until 2028. By the end of that he would have spent probably 11-12 years on Super Rugby and you say he can’t possibly have one season playing somewhere else. It is absurd. What about this scenario, the NZR play hard ball and he decides to leave and play overseas. How would that affect the competition. There seems to be an agenda by certain journalists to push certain agendas and don’t like it when it’s not to their liking. I fully support the NZR on this. Gregor needs to get a life.
3 Go to commentsHope he stays as believe he can do a great job.
1 Go to commentsMake what step up? Manie has a World Cup winner’s medal around his neck and changed the way the Springboks can play. He doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone. The win record of the Boks with him in the team is tremendous. Sacha can be wonderful and I hope he has a very succesful Bok career, but comparing him to Manie in terms of the next Bok flyhalf is very strange. Manie is the incumbent (not the next) and doing pretty incredibly.
4 Go to comments00 😍 U
1 Go to commentsSabbaticals have helped keep NZ’s very best talent in the country on long term deals - this fact has been left out of this article. Much like the articles calling to allow overseas players to be selected, yet can only name one player currently not signed to NZR who would be selected for the ABs. And in the entire history of NZ players leaving to play overseas, literally only 4 or 5 have left in their prime as current ABs. (Piatau, Evans, Hayman, Mo’unga,?) Yes Carter got an injury while playing in France 16 years ago, but he also got a tournament ending injury at the 2011 World Cup while taking mid-week practice kicks at goal. Maybe Jordie gets a season-ending injury while playing in Ireland, maybe he gets one next week against the Brumbies. NZR have many shortcomings, but keeping the very best players in the country and/or available for ABs selection is not one of them. Likewise for workload management - players missing 2 games out of 14 is hardly a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Again let’s use some facts - did it stop the Crusaders winning SR so many times consecutively when during any given week they would be missing 2 of their best players? The whole idea of the sabbatical is to reward your best players who are willing to sign very long term deals with some time to do whatever they want. They are not handed out willy-nilly, and at nowhere near the levels that would somehow devalue Super Rugby. In this particular example JB is locked in with NZR for what will probably (hopefully) be the best years of his career, hard to imagine him not sticking around for a couple more after for a Lions tour and one more world cup. He has the potential to become the most capped AB of all time. A much better outcome than him leaving NZ for a minimum of 3 years at the age of 27, unlikely to ever play for the ABs again, which would be the likely alternative.
3 Go to commentsJake White talks more sense than anything I've read in the last 5 years. Hope someone's listening.
16 Go to commentsThe Springboks tried going down the road of only picking home-based players and it was an unmitigated disaster in 2016 and 2017. Picking overseas-based players has been one of the main reason the Boks have done so well since 2018, not only because of the quality Rassie could call on, but because of the knowledge and experience those players brought into camp from England, France and Japan. With some of the big names playing abroad it also gave younger players in SA the chance to break through at franchise level. Would we have seen the emergence of a Ruan Nortje if RG and Lood were still at the Bulls? Not so sure. I understand why Jake would want to block players leaving since his job depends on good results but it’s an approach that would take Bok rugby back to the bad old days and no South African wants to see that.
16 Go to comments