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Sunwolves remain on Rugby Australia's radar as announcement nears regarding domestic competition

By Online Editors
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images for SUNWOLVES)

Rugby Australia hasn’t ruled out the prospect of the Sunwolves partaking in the new domestic Super Rugby competition, which is set to be confirmed in the coming days.

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Despite Melbourne Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson saying on Friday that it is unlikely that the Sunwolves will participate in the competition due to international travel restrictions, interim RA boss Rob Clarke says there is still hope that the Japan-based franchise will be able to compete.

“We’re still in discussions with the Sunwolves and the Australian government on that,” Clarke told media on Saturday.

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“As you can imagine it’s not a quick process trying to get clarity from certainly the government in the first instance and then the Sunwolves having to react to that to understand exactly what they can do and in what time frame, so we’re working diligently on it, but we don’t have a final answer.”

Similarly, Clarke said there is still work to be done to ensure the Western Force will join the four Australian Super Rugby clubs in the new league, although he remains confident the Perth side will feature in the competition.

An additional element of the league, which is due to kick-off on July 3 and run through until September 19, that needs to be finalised are broadcast arrangements, which have come under scrutiny in recent times as RA have battled to secure a television deal beyond this season.

Clarke said he is in negotiations with current broadcast partner Fox Sports about a new deal for both the 2021 campaign and the upcoming domestic league.

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“That’s a number one priority for me and the business,” he said. “I’ve had very fruitful discussions with our current broadcast partner in Fox Sports this week about how the shape of the balance of this year looks.

“Those discussions will continue next week and I’m confident we’ll get some clarity within a week or two, given that we’re trying to kick off a Super Rugby season domestically on the third of July, time is of the essence.”

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 5 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.

29 Go to comments
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