Super Rugby Pacific faces potential transformations by 2026, and a New Zealand report suggests that the door isn’t closed to the participation of South African teams.
In an in-depth analysis by Stuff.nz on the future of the competition – entering its third season in 2024 – and where it might be heading, Kiwi scribe Paul Cully alludes to the possibility that one or two SA sides may re-enter the scene.
The DHL Stormers, Vodacom Bulls, Sharks and Lions departed the old SANZAAR tournament for the inaugural Vodacom URC in 2021, and the impact of South Africa’s exit from Super Rugby has been felt in terms of the lack of overall physicality.
“The Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions are happy in the URC in Europe, but there are other ambitious unions such as the Free State Cheetahs and Pumas who would like to take part in a professional competition,” Cully writes.
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“Stuff understands that the Super Rugby door is not shut to South Africa, particularly if they could form a composite team to run out of Perth, where expats form a key part of the rugby community.
“As a concept, it certainly is somewhat left-field, but South African rugby appears to have accepted a future in which it has a foot in both hemispheres, and the Cheetahs and Pumas contested the Currie Cup final in 2023. Watch this space.”
Cully also discusses a dedicated Super Rugby commission, anticipated to be operational by mid-2024, which will focus on marketing, law innovations, and major decisions regarding team additions or removals.
According to the article, the prospect of expanding into the US is under consideration, with a feasibility study planned, yet the sustainability of current team numbers in Australia remains uncertain.
The Jaguares returning is proposed, possibly as a composite team based in Perth, while it is understood that NZ Rugby is considering an idea of a top-six finals series involving Japanese teams.
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