World Series Rugby has a bright future, says former Wallaby Berrick Barnes
Nick Taylor - The West Australian - Wednesday, 15 August 2018
Former Wallaby Berrick Barnes says World Series Rugby has a bright future but is uncertain where Super Rugby lies in the sport’s landscape.
Barnes also believes Panasonic Wild Knights, his club since 2013, is keen to join an expanded WSR as mining magnate Andrew Forrest gets ready to roll out a five-year plan - starting with eight sides set to battle for a $1 million purse.
The powerful Top League side, that takes on Western Force in Friday’s WSR clash at nib Stadium, is expected to be one of two Japanese clubs to join the new competition next year.
“We’d like to be involved. There’s a lot of stuff to go before that happens, but I think everyone’s waiting to see where the cards are going to fall,” Barnes said.
“World Series Rugby is something different. There’s genuine passion in the Force people.
“They’ve obviously been kicked in the guts. Credit to Andrew Forrest and (former Force captain) Matty Hodgson and the guys who have had to do a hell of a lot of work to get it going.
“Hopefully it’s something that endures.
“It has been thoroughly entertaining. It has brought something different to the table which is great.
“Everyone has come round to the fact that the way Super Rugby is at the moment it can’t work.
“The big changes are going to have to be made.
“It’s not an easy fix, hard decisions need to be made. There are plenty of stakeholders pulling left, right and centre so it’s going to be interesting.”
The ex-Queensland and NSW back is in his last season with the club but is hoping to extend his stay.
“I’ve really enjoyed it up there so if my body is alright I’d like to keep going with it,” he said.
“Next year we are in a bit of limbo as to what the (Top league) competition is going to look like and whether we are going to be involved in World Series Rugby.
“When all that becomes clearer I’ll know what I want to do.
“I went with the intention of doing one, maybe two seasons, and I’ve stayed for six. It’s one of those places it gets under your skin.”
The Force clash is Wild Knights’ only hit-out before their season starts in two weeks.
“A lot of our blokes only got back last week from the Sunwolves and various things. We are going to be a bit raw but we’ll have a crack,” Barnes said.
“Our boys are definitely excited. I just hope our skill is up and both teams have a crack.
“I just hope both teams will go out there, play positively and give the fans something to go home with and talk about for next year.”
