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That could be a concern. However, I think it's one we wouldn't have to worry too much about in the short to medium term. In time, as the standard's of the 2nd tier improved, there's no reason while the conference system couldn't be used to elevate the entire tier into Super Rugby proper.

Perth's summer weather is for softies. Sure it's hot but it's a dry heat. If they really wanted to whip them into shape they should run them around during a Pilbara wet season where is easily just as hot a Perth but with about 1000% humidity all day every day. Okay, perhaps the 1000% was a...

Also, from my understanding the AFL classify Sydney as the region spanning from the Northern most tip of the Hunter to the Southern most tip of the Illawarra, as far south as Nowra. When you put into that context the game hasn't grown much at all.

I quite like the idea of a 2nd tier to the Pro 12 structure as it actually lends itself to such endeavours. Would certainly change the landscape of Rugby in Europe. It would provide the opportunity for both the Scottish and Italian Unions to develop their new franchise teams while looking to...

That would be an option. Italy is odd, while I think that there probably be an third Italian squad in time as they are experiencing strong growth in terms of youth participation and audience etc; which would require a third squad, it won't be for at least 10 years. Same for Borders actually if ever

There have been suggestions of a re-emergence of Borders in possible future expansions of the Pro 12 to a potential Pro 14 or beyond as well as a possible third Italian squad. However, first the SRU needs to get both Edinburgh and Glasgow up on stable footings and regularly pulling in decent...

Anyone think he could being playing in the Scottish colours by the Spring tour?

That's actually a pretty positive move. All we need to do now is make the ratings attractive enough that they might actually put up a competitive bid for Super Rugby in 2015.

Evidently John Grant is returning to Rugby and has a Super Rugby contract stitched up with the Force. How true is that?

Thanks for the reminder of the existence of the stair way to hell. Spent three pre-seasons having to run up those things. I can feel their pain.

Or young player's looking for something different. Rugby has been growing steadily at the grassroots level for a decade now. There has been a great deal of effort particularly at the junior levels to grow the game and it's set to expand with AIG signing on not only to financially support their...

I approach it with cautious optimism while not getting too excited as it could very well end up as nothing of worth. We'll see.

That's part of it. The main reason was that the RFU had enough of funding and organizing the event as a development tournament. While it did have the IRB banner, it was primarily the RFU backing it with the support of the North American Unions. So it's been gone for a year, I usually tried to...

The fact there taking about further into the future as opposed to tomorrow provides me with more confidence that it could possibly happen.

I'm in contact with several people in the know in the US reasonably regularly and while no one is willing to divulge who exactly they are the common theme in relation to describing them is "of significant means" financially.

The Super Cup folded years ago and the Churchill Cup ended two years ago. he IRB is currently working to include both in the PNC (Pacific Nations Cup).

I actually think it may be time to establish a 2nd Division at the senior level. Take the top 8 from the Shute Shield and there's your 1st Div. Take the bottom 4 add in the Illawarra and Hunter. That's six. All you need to do then is look for any ambitious clubs or areas to fill the other two...

I've been of the opinion that Super Rugby franchises should start to look to filling roster spots with players from emerging nations for a while now as a means of assisting there development and our depth issues for some time. I actually haven't read the article. Just responding to TOCC's comment. I...

Personally, I think all Aus teams should look to have 5 or so imports. Particularly from the likes of Argentina and such. There are some very good young players coming up in the Argentine junior ranks plus some quality veterans who should be playing Super Rugby especially now that we have then in the...

Corinthians FC have just recently opened their own Rugby wing with intentions to develop it into a professional entity over the next 5 years. There has been a great deal of development occurring in Brazil over the past three years and its expected that with the onset of Olympic funding that it...