Where to for Super Rugby?

[Adam84]

Hey, does anybody know why the talk is Fijian Drua will play out of Qld instead of Western Sydney? Has NSWRU said they don't want them there?

Queensland Govt is probably fronting up with some funding as well, wouldn't be surprised to see them based in Townsville.
It helps to justify the expenditure on things like the new Townsville stadium.

NSW has plenty of sporting teams so less to gain by doing so.

 

[Dan54]

Source for this comment?

Forrest has also made it clear the Force has to be sustainable.

“There is no bottomless pit of money,’’ Lewis said. “We run on the same salary cap that they have in New Zealand. We have to be solvent as a business and financially stable.

“We have a five-year projection plan about how to do that.’’

 

[Wilson]

With the 5 (+ poss. Fiji) teams you suggest, that idea is OK.

Would be 80% the same as the NRC - in which case, rather than yet another name, keep a modicum of continuity and call it the NRC.

To me, having an Super Rugby AU means franchises playing with their test players (otherwise don't call it 'super rugby').

Would much prefer a 5 week round-robin of Super Rugby AU in late Feb-March which then leads into Super Rugby Pacific (11 rounds+bye, semis and final only).

Ship has sailed tho (for now).

Definitely agree on the lead in/pre-season being preferable. We need every advantage we can for Australian teams going into a super rugby proper and the opportunity to start the season with a good news story is always going t do more to capture public attention than back ending it.

Looking at the more likely post season option, we could also try and include Moana if they aren't in the NPC. That gets it to 7 teams which makes for an extra 12 games at least for all those players below test level if it's played home and away, and would likely come with the opportunity for a bit of extra funding at a world rugby level to help them along in their development. Travel costs could become an issue if there is no extra funding there though. The alternative would be for them to be based out of Western Sydney for that period, at least initially.

 

[Bullrush]

Adam vs B.Ullrush In This Thread:

I think this is where we ended up though:

 

[KevinO]

I hear that RA wanted a Top 10 but the Kiwis finally had to say no.

I heard it was NZ wanted top 8 to make sure the Blues could choke and still make it.

 

[Dismal Pillock]

I heard it was NZ wanted top 8 to make sure the Blues could choke and still make it.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

The rumour was started by Tahs...let’s face it the best chance Tahs have to make the finals and show hitting the KPIs is to lower the bar. Heck first time for a while next season can say with more confidence that Tahs have a chance of making the finals without people wonder what I am on...

 

[Rugbynutter39]

The rumour was started by Tahs.let’s face it the best chance Tahs have to make the finals and show hitting the KPIs is to lower the bar. Heck first time for a while next season can say with more confidence that Tahs have a chance of making the finals without people wonder what I am on.

On a serious note if nzru are using the allowance of 3 all blacks rule for MP (Moana Pasifika) as a trial for making it across the TT I am all for it. I still believe when not if Dan and you said it would never happen yet they have opened the door doing this for MP (Moana Pasifika)...

But still reckon for all black to move to MP (Moana Pasifika) would take more dollars on offer which possible I guess if only allowing for couple of marquee players. And no I was not one of the people advocating a draft system.

 

[Joe King]

With the 5 (+ poss. Fiji) teams you suggest, that idea is OK.

Would be 80% the same as the NRC - in which case, rather than yet another name, keep a modicum of continuity and call it the NRC.

To me, having an Super Rugby AU means franchises playing with their test players (otherwise don't call it 'super rugby').

Would much prefer a 5 week round-robin of Super Rugby AU in late Feb-March which then leads into Super Rugby Pacific (11 rounds+bye, semis and final only).

Ship has sailed tho (for now).

Not calling it 'Super' makes sense.

I wonder if they thought 19 weeks was one week too long?

I think having the round robin leading into SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) would be special, but if the NZ teams were to do the same, it may not give us any advantage. But if it was 10 games later in the year as the NRC, it may have an advantage over the NPC in relation to building cohesion. Or maybe not. Maybe we could have both? Overkill?

 

[Dan54]

On a serious note if nzru are using the allowance of 3 all blacks rule for MP (Moana Pasifika) as a trial for making it across the TT I am all for it. I still believe when not if Dan and you said it would never happen yet they have opened the door doing this for MP (Moana Pasifika).

But still reckon for all black to move to MP (Moana Pasifika) would take more dollars on offer which possible I guess if only allowing for couple of marquee players. And no I was not one of the people advocating a draft system.

I don't think too many ABs will actually be looking at going to MP (Moana Pasifika) RN, and no it won't be for money, just wonder if it might possibly be an older type player who keen to give MP (Moana Pasifika) a go because of heritage, or even one (can't think of anyone at moment) who maybe tempted to comeback from overseas just to play for a Samoan/Tongan team who maybe able to do it and get back into ABs? I don't know like a Lautua etc. But not sure I can think of any who would as there no more money in it. I can't even think of any coming off contract this year.

 

[Dan54]

Interesting hearing Bryn Hall & James Parsons talking about new comp, they weren't perturbed by the 8 team final, although perhaps it is maybe RA idea to maybe more teams in finals for first couple of years if they are struggling, as Hall said (and he will be playing etc) that he pretty comfortable that if they are near top of table they will have to beat a 7th or 8th placed tem to stay alive, and felt it a lot fairer than last system where you could be lower down table and still qualifu for home final. Was quite happy as a player as seemingly a lot more clarity of where you are.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Not calling it 'Super' makes sense.

I wonder if they thought 19 weeks was one week too long?

I think having the round robin leading into SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) would be special, but if the NZ teams were to do the same, it may not give us any advantage. But if it was 10 games later in the year as the NRC, it may have an advantage over the NPC in relation to building cohesion. Or maybe not. Maybe we could have both? Overkill?

I really hope they revisit this and have a separate oz and nz conference (call it super rugby au or something else) as gives another product in the portfolio - another trophy to play for and everyone wins. It only needs to be six nations style one round with no finals to be a winner. Pls reconsider after this season as 14 rounds plus finals leaves plenty of room given overseas rugby / footy comps can run for 22 rounds

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I don't think too many ABs will actually be looking at going to MP (Moana Pasifika) RN, and no it won't be for money, just wonder if it might possibly be an older type player who keen to give MP (Moana Pasifika) a go because of heritage, or even one (can't think of anyone at moment) who maybe tempted to comeback from overseas just to play for a Samoan/Tongan team who maybe able to do it and get back into ABs? I don't know like a Lautua etc. But not sure I can think of any who would as there no more money in it. I can't even think of any coming off contract this year.

Yeh I think it would be older all black with Pi heritage and sentiment driven. As you never forget where you come from and can imagine this would appeal to older all black who has made his coin and in his twilight years, and desire to give back. I could see that a successful strategy and one would be good to keep for long term perspective that opportunity. Which of course if nzru now seen the light that keeping all blacks eligibility in play playing for any TT team should happen. I don’t think there will be a floodgate of all blacks ever heading outside of nz teams ‘when’ this happens but will be good for game in Asia pacific regardless as stop some mental blocks for nz players making the jump who still want the dream of playing for ABs (where reality is very few would realise the dream).

 

[Dan54]

I really hope they revisit this and have a separate oz and nz conference (call it super rugby au or something else) as gives another product in the portfolio - another trophy to play for and everyone wins. It only needs to be six nations style one round with no finals to be a winner. Pls reconsider after this season as 14 rounds plus finals leaves plenty of room given overseas rugby / footy comps can run for 22 rounds

Just a thought RN, like you I didn't mind the idea of a 1 round comp at all, but another thought would be some kind of knockout comp preseason? We know that NZR wanted to start later, so Aus could start a bit earlir with a knockout comp to led into comp. Has the added bonus of a comp more or less completed before NRL etc starts.

 

[Brumby Runner]

C

When you don't have one of the most basic and key elements of your design - how many teams are in the competition - then it's a bit rich to say that it is largely a NZ designed competition.

And it still doesn't take away from my point - you guys wanted 5 teams and now there's bitching about NZ maintaining the same rules they haves always had simply because you don't have the depth to be competitive?!

Again, RA wants Super Rugby to be the Australian domestic competition but you guys want NZ to allow its Kiwi players to play in it. Even though you wouldn't let an Aussie play in a NZ team. LOL

All of your problems lay squarely at the feet of RA and has little to do with NZR.

There is really only one problem Bullrush, and I agree it lies at the feet of RA. That is the decision to go into SRSP. Should have had the intestinal fortitude to go it alone from 2022 with SRAu.

 

[Joe King]

Just a thought RN, like you I didn't mind the idea of a 1 round comp at all, but another thought would be some kind of knockout comp preseason? We know that NZR wanted to start later, so Aus could start a bit earlir with a knockout comp to led into comp. Has the added bonus of a comp more or less completed before NRL etc starts.

Yeah that's an idea worth entertaining. I think I would prefer a pre-season knock out over the extra derby games. Could even invite 4 Japanese teams into that and have 16 team knock out over 4 weeks. Bit of fun. Adds a bit of interest to pre-season. Be like trials anyway. Even if you get knocked out you would still continue to play trial games. Could be a bit complicated though.

 

[Dan54]

Yeah that's an idea worth entertaining. I think I would prefer a pre-season knock out over the extra derby games. Could even invite 4 Japanese teams into that and have 16 team knock out over 4 weeks. Bit of fun. Adds a bit of interest to pre-season. Be like trials anyway. Even if you get knocked out you would still continue to play trial games. Could be a bit complicated though.

yep you can always have a final and plate final etc to just keep it alive for a few weeks. As you say could be a bit complicated, but could be something good and fun early in season/year. Actually with MP (Moana Pasifika) and Drua as part of it you got close to what you looking for!

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Interesting hearing Bryn Hall & James Parsons talking about new comp, they weren't perturbed by the 8 team final, although perhaps it is maybe RA idea to maybe more teams in finals for first couple of years if they are struggling, as Hall said (and he will be playing etc) that he pretty comfortable that if they are near top of table they will have to beat a 7th or 8th placed tem to stay alive, and felt it a lot fairer than last system where you could be lower down table and still qualifu for home final. Was quite happy as a player as seemingly a lot more clarity of where you are.

Just a thought RN, like you I didn't mind the idea of a 1 round comp at all, but another thought would be some kind of knockout comp preseason? We know that NZR wanted to start later, so Aus could start a bit earlir with a knockout comp to led into comp. Has the added bonus of a comp more or less completed before NRL etc starts.

Yep like the thinking. For both nz and oz it makes more sense to build on the ready made super rugby au and ao products that to move to short form single round six nations type comp or knockout comp. The schedule allows for it as 14 round pro Comp plus finals very low cf European and uk rugby competitions and we wonder why we can’t compete with them financially with less content. The mind boggles. And why they would not take advantage of another short form rugby product they know would work is just really commercially stupid. Someone needs to explain to me from nzru or RA why they are ignoring this opportunity as just makes no sense.

 

[Quick Hands]

Warmer climate closer to Fiji in distance and temperature? Dunno.

When is the possible start date, 2022?

Without covid, 2021 would be great. Kick off next month!

They should be playing out of Townsville in my opinion.

 

[Quick Hands]

The rumour was started by Tahs.let’s face it the best chance Tahs have to make the finals and show hitting the KPIs is to lower the bar. Heck first time for a while next season can say with more confidence that Tahs have a chance of making the finals without people wonder what I am on.

The Waratahs would need it to be a Top 12 to be sure of making the finals.