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South African Super Rugby sides' future may lie in Europe

By Online Editors
(Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Reports on South Africa’s future in Super Rugby will not be ending anytime soon.

According to WalesOnline, South Africa’s four Super Rugby teams could be joining the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings in the Pro14 in the near future.

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New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the five NZ Super Rugby franchises are undertaking a review of New Zealand’s Super Rugby model to ensure the future success for teams and the competition on and off the field.

It is believed this review could have a significant impact on South Africa’s future in the tournament.

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Lawrence Dallaglio sat down with Jim Hamilton to rewatch the first test of the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa.

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Lawrence Dallaglio sat down with Jim Hamilton to rewatch the first test of the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa.

Super Rugby has become increasingly unattractive for fans and broadcasters alike over the years with its expansion into other countries like Argentina and Japan.

Several big names in the game, which mostly consists of former players and coaches, have called for an overhaul of the tournament.

The Covid-19 pandemic, which halted this year’s tournament, could also be the catalyst for change in the Southern Hemisphere.

With the regular season up in the air, New Zealand formed their own domestic tournament called “Super Rugby Aotearoa”, which begins in June. Australia are also busy forming their own tournament involving their franchises.

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There has been growing support for a Trans-Tasman competition in future years and if stakeholders get their way then South Africa and Argentina could be forced out of Super Rugby.

Travel restrictions have made it impossible for Super Rugby to be completed this year and this restriction could also have an impact on next year’s tournament.

According to some in the know, a move north in the future will be a much more viable option for South Africa’s teams with its similar time zones. Travelling to the north will also be easier for South African teams and it will also be financially more beneficial for all involved.

The one stumbling block for New Zealand and Australia to get rid of South Africa is broadcasting deals.

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“We have always been very interested in South Africa. We like them and see them as a key part of our future,” said PRO14 chief executive Martin Anayi said.

“The tournament works well at the moment but could work better if you could add teams to it. So that’s one avenue potentially.”

Meanwhile, Stormers head coach John Dobson feels that change is coming.

“I’ve got a horrible feeling this cacophony is going to have some sway,” said Dobson.

– Rugby365

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Bull Shark 44 minutes 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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