Super 14s plan revamp
New play-off system and addition sides proposed
Last updated: 18th July 2008
O'Neill: Changes being planned
The first step next year is the expanded play-off finals series and perhaps as early as 2010 you could see an expanded Super Rugby competition.
ARU boss John O'Neill
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The Super 14 tournament could be expanded to host teams from Argentina, the Pacific Island, Japan or the USA by 2010.
The board of SANZAR have just put forward a proposal to implement a top-six play-off series to replace the semi-final currently in place.
However the next stage of the development of the competition could see sides from outside of the boundaries of SANZAR welcomed in.
Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill said: "The first step next year is the expanded play-off finals series and perhaps as early as 2010 you could see an expanded Super Rugby competition.
"There is the opportunity to bring additional teams in from the current territories, or given some of the conversations we've had with countries like the USA and Japan, you wouldn't exclude Super Rugby teams being located in say Tokyo or Los Angeles.
"In the next four or five years you will see a transformed Super Rugby environment."
South African rugby union chief executive Jonathan Stones admitted that the changes were vital to answer the demands of the spectators.
"We think we run the premier competitions, and we think it is incumbent on us to build on what we have," he said.
"It's about answering the calls we have had both from our spectators and our competition components."
Super 14 Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Crusaders | 12 | 52 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | 13 | 41 |
| 3 | Blues | 13 | 40 |
| 4 | NSW Waratahs | 12 | 39 |
| 5 | Stormers | 12 | 37 |
| 6 | Sharks | 12 | 37 |
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Comments
Damien Ryan says...
To simply answer the 1st comment: YOUR WRONG Letting USA and Japan in will create the money needed to keep these players in the super 14. People forget that with those two countries alone there is a popential audience of almost 2 BILLION people. Lets say they all give 1cent a year thats 2 BILLION dollars. Is that enough money??? The game needs to grow here in NZ. The problem is its not compeditive. I was at the "super" 14 final in Christchurch(capital of Canterrbury Crusaders) and the 25,000 capacity stadium wasnt even full. The problem lies with the OLD MEN in suits with no ambition for WORLD rugby only there own nations. The saying "you cant teach an old dog new tricks" has never need more true. Someone please tell me why they neglect the Pacific Island too?? When we in Europe welcomed Italy with open arm. Im all for open expansion, im not an oud man yet.
Posted 11:01 4th September 2008
Adam Shephard says...
Everyones always known that South Africa, New Zealand and Australia are THE best rugby nations in the world, no matter who you support. The fact of the matter is, there not paid enough for the quality of there game. The reason why it is seen as needing a 'revamp' is because there is not enough money in Super 14s hence, players moving to England to play. It will end up being the same way that the England football team are i.e. lack of grassroots, no English players under the age of 30, never winning anything. I dont want to see this happen to the Super 14s even if purely it is to make sure that they remain a 'Super' league. I say throw more money into Super 14s by more tours, higher player wages, more promotion, bigger prize money. It may be a heafty cost...but can you put a cost on heritage and tradition.
Posted 22:05 14th August 2008
Bob Hedley says...
The Super14 will only stay Super as long as it preserves the qualities that make it SUPER - the best players, the best fitness, the best combinations of talent in teams, the best attitude and the best professional standards. Remove these and you can remove "Super" and you can replace "14" with any number you want. There is no comparable competition like it in the Northern Hemisphere, although the Heineken might be going in the right direction. The Guiness is Div. 3 by comparison! There is nothing wrong with elitism!!
Posted 18:20 11th August 2008
Simon Foley says...
It's a flawed idea. The way the Super 14s is set up at the moment there are already a few teams that are very weak i.e. the Highlanders, Reds, Lions and possibly the Cheetahs all from 3 of the best rugby playing nations in the world. If you were to add teams from countries who have poor international teams and no strength in depth, there will be score lines reminiscent of NZ vs Portugal or Australia vs Japan. In the case of Argentina, most of there competitive players play in France so they would be severely weakened also. John O'Neill seems to be an attention seeker. How many off the wall comments can he make and still remain in the highest position in Australian rugby! I would like to see him present his argument logically and coherently and with evidence to back it up. I doubt that will happen any time soon.
Posted 13:49 1st August 2008
Alexander Skitt says...
To be honest mate- if you look at the Guiness Premiership the main problem is player burnout- an average international could play up to 50 matches a year in the northern hemisphere, compared to tops 30 for a southern hemisphere international- so in terms of burnout for the expanded Super 14 don't worry that much- the main problem is travelling.
Posted 21:32 23rd July 2008
Mark Noble says...
Tom, wake up!!! Do you really think southern hemisphere players come over because the Heineken Cup etc,offers a better comp? It's the money.
Posted 20:02 23rd July 2008
Judd Kalkhoven says...
It hink its a great idea, but oppose to the argentinian teams the u.S.A. and Japenese teams will not survive they will lose 40-0 against like the cheetahs!
Posted 17:40 22nd July 2008
Ben Pre says...
I am from South Africa. The 2 problems in expanding the S14 is travel and players playing to much....... I dont think it is a great idea.
Posted 12:23 22nd July 2008
Matt Bro says...
please, oh please, think about having a Super 14 team in Vancouver Canada!!!! I know, I know..doubtful damn it but what an exciting thought! LA is close enough though!
Posted 21:15 21st July 2008
Tom Dugmore says...
Great idea. Forget the ELV's, this is what the Southern Hemipshere needs to pick up interest: A bigger game and tournament basis, something to rival the Heineken Cup up North; which is another reason Super 14 players are attracted to Europe, to play a wider range of competitions. Will be good to help develop countries like Japan as well. Good decision, I firmly agree!
Posted 09:54 21st July 2008
John Ryan says...
i think that is a great idea because rugby will get bigger and it will have alot more money for its players
Posted 23:40 18th July 2008
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