Which sides would make a 12-team European rugby union Super League?
The sporting headlines this weekend have been dominated by a highly controversial bid to launch a twelve-team European Super League in football.
While not quite on the same scale, rugby has not been averse to introducing its own shake-ups to leagues and competitions over the years, although this is an avenue not yet explored.
But that does not mean such a Super League could not, theoretically at least, occur in the future. In the unlikely event of such a move, here are twelve teams that could make the league, taking into account their history as well as recent success.
DEFINITES
Toulouse
Arguably the giant of all giants in European rugby, there is no doubt Toulouse belong in this league. With four European titles (tied with Leinster) and a record 20 French titles, both form and history are on Toulouse’s side.
Leinster
Leinster have dominated the Guinness PRO14 since its inception, certainly over the past ten years, while also adding four stars to their jersey from their European exploits.
Saracens
They may not be at Europe’s top table this season for off-field reasons, but Saracens have established themselves as one of the titans of the game in over the past decade.
Exeter Chiefs
The current Heineken Champions Cup winners (for a few more weeks) and Gallagher Premiership winners Exeter Chiefs may not have the history to match the other teams in this league, but they have become a powerhouse in Europe in recent years.
So it begins… ? #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/0Yvh5dcP7w
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 19, 2021
Clermont Auvergne
With only three Challenge Cup titles and two French titles, ASM Clermont Auvergne do not rival their counterparts in terms of silverware. But they have three runners-up medals in Europe’s elite competition over the past decade.
Munster
They may not necessarily have recent history on their side, as they have seen rivals Leinster eclipse them in recent years, but some of European rugby’s greatest moments are imbued with Munster heroics.
Racing 92
Much like ASM Clermont, Racing 92 do not have European titles to fall back on, and they only have one Top 14 title in the professional era, coming in 2016. But they have made three of the past five Champions Cup finals.
CONTENDERS
Wasps
After experiencing some dark days in 2012 as they almost went into administration, Wasps have grown in power since then, reaching the Premiership final twice, including last season’s showcase. They still haven’t matched their glory days of the 2000s, where they won two Heineken Cups and four Premierships, but their history speaks for itself.
Toulon
They may not have torn up any trees in Europe or France over the past five years (although they reached two Top 14 finals), but Toulon’s brief domination of the continent between 2013 and 2015 earn them a place in this league.
Glasgow Warriors
It may seem unfair that a team like Glasgow Warriors would keep out a side like Ulster from this league, but this allows representation across Europe. The Warriors did win the PRO14 in 2015 and were runners-up in 2019.
Scarlets
In terms of Welsh representation, the Ospreys have had more success in the professional era, but the Scarlets’ success has come more recently, which just gives them the edge.
Leicester Tigers
Including Leicester Tigers in this league may be controversial as their record in recent years is nothing to boast about, and they have even found themselves in a relegation scrap in the Premiership, but their history and name alone puts them in the conversation in a Super League.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle may be the new kids on the block in terms of European rugby with very few honours to their name. But as they currently stand joint top of the Top 14 and await Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final, their reputation could be starkly different in a matter of weeks.
Ulster
Ulster are one of a few sides, alongside the likes of Bath and Northampton Saints, who experienced Heineken Cup success in the early days of the competition. They would all have a legitimate claim to be in the competition but Ulster may shade it after making the PRO14 final in 2020.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments