Get ready for Super Rugby’s expansion
13 Feb 2013
Super Rugby will expand to include the Lions and Kings in SANZAR’s next broadcasting deal.
Australia won’t oppose any expansion as long as they continue to have their local derbies and the Australia Conference is strengthened by way of a possible addition from Japan.
South Africa has pushed for the Kings and Lions to be accommodated in a tournament that then services all six South African regions.
New Zealand is unlikely to want to add to their five regions but it is not out of the question, with the New Zealand RFU chief executive Steve Tew insistent that New Zealand’s only reservation would be around the playing demands on their players and also the make up of the Conference system.
New Zealand currently plays 20 derby matches and hosts 40 games in a Super Rugby season. It is anticipated that if the expansion happens it will be to Super 18 with the additional South African team, one from Japan and one from Argentina adding to the compliment.
Local derbies would remain a priority but you could find a team like the Kings playing in the Australian/New Zealand Conference and a team from Japan possibly playing in the Australian Conference/New Zealand with one from Argentina added to the South African Conference.
‘The only thing we are adamant about is that we don’t want any more rugby for our guys. We think our guys have got enough on their plates as it is. So we have to manage their workload,’ Tew told the Kiwi media.
‘But we have an open mind … nothing has been ruled out, but nothing is definite. We have to look after our players. One is that the workload doesn’t increase, two is that we don’t do anything to devalue the commercial strength of our competitions and, thirdly, they have to remain sufficiently competitive.
‘We don’t want a structure that compromises what we believe is the most competitive competition of its type in the world.’
The new format would be confirmed well in advance of it actually happening.
By Mark Keohane
110 Comments
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14 Feb 2013, 00:19 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-96:
Here we go.
A thread about another SA team being included into super rugby yet Bakkies has a crack at kiwis again….. lay off clown. Hate reading your cr@p everyday like your country and people are so fukn perfect.
14 Feb 2013, 01:06 am
@Hurricane-101: spot on hurri
and people wonder why I post the way I do… I used to respect the old enemy, then i found this site and realised that there are many Saffas who have absolute hate for NZ, and its a shame because Im certain there are a few good saffas around
Rangerman – hahaha KK was just another d.utchie who soon disappeared once 2010 came around..
he who laughs last laughs the loudest, and I have been having a right chuckle since 2010..
so you guys can all clamour about 2009, one year out of 15 is really worth celebrating ne?
14 Feb 2013, 01:49 am
No pops, you post the way you do because you are a complete tool. If you have a problem with an individual feel free to have a go at that person, just like Hurricane did above. But you use this forum to make gross generalisations about South Africa and her people, spewing bile without coming up for air.
Bakkies does not represent the majority of South Africa just like I assume you don’t represent the majority of NZ. Grow up, talk rugby and stop using this forum to have a go at people you obviously dislike in the name of ‘returning serve’.
14 Feb 2013, 01:55 am
@the curse-17: Thats not because of teh lack of depth. Thats because of the lack of professional management structures from the unions… the players we have!
14 Feb 2013, 02:43 am
Wasn’t it shown the other night by Liew Luiperd that Poppa is actually a closet g.ay?
Come on Poppa, this is the 21st century, stop suppressing your inner feelings by taking out your frustrations on South Africans and this forum.
14 Feb 2013, 02:49 am
was it Shaun? or are you just projecting your own fantasies.
14 Feb 2013, 07:52 am
@BrumbiesBoy-55:
already commented on it.
14 Feb 2013, 07:57 am
Pops,
lately i dont know if you’re talking to me or at me?
use your ‘reply to this comment’ arrow.
@Hurricane-101:
you are becoming such a bitter person towards me, Hurri.
lets build a bridge and meet under it?
14 Feb 2013, 08:42 am
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15 Feb 2013, 07:18 am
@i_love_u_bakkiesbotha-108:
Surprise surprise… under the bridge ya troll.
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