Goodbye Super Rugby, Hello PRO14

[handyman]

Any clarity on the format of the Trans-Tasman competition? 5 teams each?

8 Kiwi Teams, 1 PI team and the Brumbies

Seriously tho, the top Kiwi team vs the bottom Aussie team

[Jambanja]

Sure they have Champ, how did the 2003 RWC collaborations go
What about NZR’s accusation of RA spying on them, despite that being bullshit, like so many other accusations made by NZR over the years, there’s been a few.
Then there was the recent declaration by NZR that firstly Saru were out of SuperRugby and if RA wanted to join in the new comp being set up by NZR, the they could APPLY, for only 2 teams to join
Yep they’ve worked well long before Super Rugby alright
For a perspective point of view, for someone who had no comprehension of the collaborative efforts between NZR and RA, prior to the advent of Super Rugby in its many various guises, what exactly was it the the various national unions, apart of course for the Bledislow/ international matches, did for each other. Apart from the Aussies pinching the odd coach and poaching the odd player I can’t really think of any “cooperation” as such, you no doubt will correct me

I get it, you're upset because your beloved South African teams have been humiliatingly dumped from Super Rugby. And now you're utterly desperate for Rugby on both sides of the Tasman to fail. It's never nice to be dumped, is it? The sad truth is that both NZR and RA simply weren't that into you.

More deflection from the champ of deflection, still waiting to hear all about this legendary cooperation, which was the point of this discussion, you seem to have forgotten that bit.
Why on earth would I want rugby on either side of the Tasman to fail, I live here you dumb fuck, good rugby means me happy, it’s not that complicated, the reason I’ve bought up the points I have, is because the way things are headed I’m not sure that’s what’s going to be the end result, ergo bad for me, which is why I’m concerned. I’m not nearly as parochial as you seem to be, I can actually watch other teams playing good rugby
As for SA teams in Europe, they have this amazing thing where you can record matches, it’s an amazing world we live in

[Carter's Choice]

More deflection from the champ of deflection, still waiting to hear all about this legendary cooperation, which was the point of this discussion, you seem to have forgotten that bit.

26 years of successfully working together to run SR and the Tri Nations/Rugby Championship. And before then, during the amateur era, they cooperated to run the South Pacific Championship, Super 6 and Super 10 comps. That's a impressive record of co-operation.

In the meantime, the Saffers have played just one season of Pro 14 Rugby, and they subsequently had to axe a team because they were ashamed of it. Hardly a record to be proud of.

[Big Nipper]

More deflection from the champ of deflection, still waiting to hear all about this legendary cooperation, which was the point of this discussion, you seem to have forgotten that bit.

26 years of successfully working together to run SR and the Tri Nations/Rugby Championship. And before then, during the amateur era, they cooperated to run the South Pacific Championship, Super 6 and Super 10 comps. That's a impressive record of co-operation.

In the meantime, the Saffers have played just one season of Pro 14 Rugby, and they subsequently had to axe a team because they were ashamed of it. Hardly a record to be proud of.

Only 1 season? You sure of that?

[Carter's Choice]

More deflection from the champ of deflection, still waiting to hear all about this legendary cooperation, which was the point of this discussion, you seem to have forgotten that bit.

26 years of successfully working together to run SR and the Tri Nations/Rugby Championship. And before then, during the amateur era, they cooperated to run the South Pacific Championship, Super 6 and Super 10 comps. That's a impressive record of co-operation.

In the meantime, the Saffers have played just one season of Pro 14 Rugby, and they subsequently had to axe a team because they were ashamed of it. Hardly a record to be proud of.

Only 1 season? You sure of that?

Is this the Cheetahs/Kings 2nd season in the Pro 14? I apologise, I don't follow easy rugby.

[Big Nipper]

26 years of successfully working together to run SR and the Tri Nations/Rugby Championship. And before then, during the amateur era, they cooperated to run the South Pacific Championship, Super 6 and Super 10 comps. That's a impressive record of co-operation.

In the meantime, the Saffers have played just one season of Pro 14 Rugby, and they subsequently had to axe a team because they were ashamed of it. Hardly a record to be proud of.

Only 1 season? You sure of that?

Is this the Cheetahs/Kings 2nd season in the Pro 14? I apologise, I don't follow easy rugby.

They started in the 2017/18 season

[Jambanja]

More deflection from the champ of deflection, still waiting to hear all about this legendary cooperation, which was the point of this discussion, you seem to have forgotten that bit.

26 years of successfully working together to run SR and the Tri Nations/Rugby Championship. And before then, during the amateur era, they cooperated to run the South Pacific Championship, Super 6 and Super 10 comps. That's a impressive record of co-operation.

In the meantime, the Saffers have played just one season of Pro 14 Rugby, and they subsequently had to axe a team because they were ashamed of it. Hardly a record to be proud of.

I think you’ll find there was more than NZR and AR in those glorious 26 years the gel that held them all together is leaving , we have no evidence of how well the NZR and AR will play together on their own, and based on recent happenings, it’s looking a bit rocky, so rocky in fact that I feel a marriage counseling might be in order, sadly their previous councellor might be in unavailable and the councillors from the pacific islands, Japan or God forbid, the Hawaiian capital of Auckland are all unqualified

[Carter's Choice]

They started in the 2017/18 season

That long? Doesn't time fly? It seems like only yesterday that the Cheetahs were secured firmly at the base of the Super Rugby ladder.

[Slick]

They started in the 2017/18 season

That long? Doesn't time fly? It seems like only yesterday that the Cheetahs were secured firmly at the base of the Super Rugby ladder.

For someone who doesn't care you seem very upset about this

[Caley_Red]

Not questioning the point but it surprises me- as an NH rugby person- the venom on display here. As I said, there may be reasons for it and I don't question them but the tone surprises me.

I'm personally looking forward to it although, in an ideal scenario, the count of teams wouldn't expand and I'd like to see one Welsh and Italian outfit follow the Cheetahs and Kings out the door. Having lived in Cape Town, I've got an affection for the Stormers and think that they, bulls, sharks and lions have plenty to offer the comp. Don't want to see it compartmentalised but just one home and one away for all teams (ex of an additional welsh and italian outfit heading out). If I still lived in scotland, I would love to see Edinburgh vs Sharks or Glasgow vs Bulls. Definitely worth seeing how it pans out but the fear of dilution ala SR remains my main concern.

[Carter's Choice]

They started in the 2017/18 season

That long? Doesn't time fly? It seems like only yesterday that the Cheetahs were secured firmly at the base of the Super Rugby ladder.

For someone who doesn't care you seem very upset about this

Happy for you to find a single post that shows I am upset that the South African teams have been dumped from SR. Quite the contrary, I have been calling for this outcome of the best part of a decade on other forums. Chatting about them being dumped does not equate to being "very upset". I do very much "care" about them leaving, but only in the sense that I've wanted them to be dumped for ages. I look forward to watching the Saffer and Celtic Rugby fans get to know each other in the years ahead.

[boere wors]

AC is having a run

[Jock42]

Not questioning the point but it surprises me- as an NH rugby person- the venom on display here. As I said, there may be reasons for it and I don't question them but the tone surprises me.

I'm personally looking forward to it although, in an ideal scenario, the count of teams wouldn't expand and I'd like to see one Welsh and Italian outfit follow the Cheetahs and Kings out the door. Having lived in Cape Town, I've got an affection for the Stormers and think that they, bulls, sharks and lions have plenty to offer the comp. Don't want to see it compartmentalised but just one home and one away for all teams (ex of an additional welsh and italian outfit heading out). If I still lived in scotland, I would love to see Edinburgh vs Sharks or Glasgow vs Bulls. Definitely worth seeing how it pans out but the fear of dilution ala SR remains my main concern.

The variation is a novelty but I'm not that bothered about playing SA teams in the long-term. That being said my vision of what I'd like the league to look like is a long long way off if its ever achievable.

[Biffer]

That long? Doesn't time fly? It seems like only yesterday that the Cheetahs were secured firmly at the base of the Super Rugby ladder.

For someone who doesn't care you seem very upset about this

Happy for you to find a single post that shows I am upset that the South African teams have been dumped from SR. Quite the contrary, I have been calling for this outcome of the best part of a decade on other forums. Chatting about them being dumped does not equate to being "very upset". I do very much "care" about them leaving, but only in the sense that I've wanted them to be dumped for ages. I look forward to watching the Saffer and Celtic Rugby fans get to know each other in the years ahead.

Could you do a comparison of Saffer failure in Super Rugby vs Australian success?

[Caley_Red]

Not questioning the point but it surprises me- as an NH rugby person- the venom on display here. As I said, there may be reasons for it and I don't question them but the tone surprises me.

I'm personally looking forward to it although, in an ideal scenario, the count of teams wouldn't expand and I'd like to see one Welsh and Italian outfit follow the Cheetahs and Kings out the door. Having lived in Cape Town, I've got an affection for the Stormers and think that they, bulls, sharks and lions have plenty to offer the comp. Don't want to see it compartmentalised but just one home and one away for all teams (ex of an additional welsh and italian outfit heading out). If I still lived in scotland, I would love to see Edinburgh vs Sharks or Glasgow vs Bulls. Definitely worth seeing how it pans out but the fear of dilution ala SR remains my main concern.

The variation is a novelty but I'm not that bothered about playing SA teams in the long-term. That being said my vision of what I'd like the league to look like is a long long way off if its ever achievable.

Out of interest, jock, what's your desired final format? Presumably featuring the return of my moniker? Playing out of Perth naturally, no Tanadice for us country folk :D

[Carter's Choice]

Could you do a comparison of Saffer failure in Super Rugby vs Australian success?

The Australians never;

- Scheduled 3am kickoffs due to timezones
- Threatened to leave SR every time TV rights were up for negotiations
- Demanded non-neutral referees who then delivered 20-1 penalty counts for their own teams
- Constantly demanded expansion teams that got worse and worse over the years
- Demanded conferences to reduce their travel
- Demanded that at least one of their teams was guaranteed a place in the finals series, regardless of their actual points

Anyway, I don't want to come across as being negative. I am glad that Celtic nations and South Africa have come to an arrangement. Good for them, good for SA and ultimately good for Rugby as a game

[Jock42]

Not questioning the point but it surprises me- as an NH rugby person- the venom on display here. As I said, there may be reasons for it and I don't question them but the tone surprises me.

I'm personally looking forward to it although, in an ideal scenario, the count of teams wouldn't expand and I'd like to see one Welsh and Italian outfit follow the Cheetahs and Kings out the door. Having lived in Cape Town, I've got an affection for the Stormers and think that they, bulls, sharks and lions have plenty to offer the comp. Don't want to see it compartmentalised but just one home and one away for all teams (ex of an additional welsh and italian outfit heading out). If I still lived in scotland, I would love to see Edinburgh vs Sharks or Glasgow vs Bulls. Definitely worth seeing how it pans out but the fear of dilution ala SR remains my main concern.

The variation is a novelty but I'm not that bothered about playing SA teams in the long-term. That being said my vision of what I'd like the league to look like is a long long way off if its ever achievable.

Out of interest, jock, what's your desired final format? Presumably featuring the return of my moniker? Playing out of Perth naturally, no Tanadice for us country folk :D

Naturally although living here I'd take Tannadice

Ideally a 12 league team with 4 districts plus the existing Irish and Welsh or a B&I league again with at least 3 Districts (obviously) possibly in a 2 tier format.

[Biffer]

Could you do a comparison of Saffer failure in Super Rugby vs Australian success?

The Australians never;

- Scheduled 3am kickoffs due to timezones
- Threatened to leave SR every time TV rights were up for negotiations
- Demanded non-neutral referees who then delivered 20-1 penalty counts for their own teams
- Constantly demanded expansion teams that got worse and worse over the years
- Demanded conferences to reduce their travel
- Demanded that at least one of their teams was guaranteed a place in the finals series, regardless of their actual points

Anyway, I don't want to come across as being negative. I am glad that Celtic nations and South Africa have come to an arrangement. Good for them, good for SA and ultimately good for Rugby as a game

That’s not measures of success and failure. First up, you talked about on pitch success. Tell us about that.

[OomStruisbaai]

AC is the worst trol type of All Black supporter. Thank vok we don't have to read his kak week after week again.

The great thing about SA franchises joining the PRO16 is that it will leave our top players playing Currie Cup rugby.

SARU should leave the RC . Let tours take their rightful place again altho the All Blacks camp turned soft cocks of late.

[Carter's Choice]

AC is the worst trol type of All Black supporter. Thank vok we don't have to read his kak week after week again.

The great thing about SA franchises joining the PRO16 is that it will leave our top players playing Currie Cup rugby.

SARU should leave the RC . Let tours take their rightful place again altho the All Blacks camp turned soft cocks of late.

Why tours? The SARU has boasted since the late 1990's that the Spingboks would be guaranteed a place in the 6N, with an equal share of revenue, and that all you needed to do was ask.

Anyway, good luck in the Pro 18 mate. Your teams won't be missed

[Chilli]

“Our members are excited about the prospect of closer alignment with PRO Rugby and seeking a northern hemisphere future, but we would not have been taking this decision but for actions elsewhere,”

That famous Saffer tact and diplomacy.

I'm in 2 minds about this. I like the competition as it is but I can also see the SA teams bringing some great value if they can be arsed. On balance I think it's possibly a step too far but will give it a go.

It will be great to start with. And then the SARU will turn on you guys and start demanding;

- New teams every year
- South African referees to officiate their own teams (I hope you guys enjoy 20-1 penalty counts)
- Conferences, because the travel is so unfair
- Guaranteed places for South African teams in the semi finals
- Increasing shares of the TV money

And that will be your new reality, rinse repeat, rinse repeat until the Celtic League is destroyed by South African greed.

Why does it mater to you?

[sorCrer]

Just for clarity, have we actually been accepted 'up norf' or is SARU just strutting around with its limp cock hanging out?

[Sards]

This could require a radical change of strategy from SARU. If they get stroppy about the PRO14 for example, where will they threaten to go?

USA USA ...Major League Rugby ...here come the Sharks vs the Gilgronis

tbf the Sharks are an awesome team.......any side in the world would enjoy the challenge of playing them

[Carter's Choice]

Why does it mater to you?

I've followed SR for 26 years, and you have the gall to ask me why this matters to me? Seriously?

[Sards]

AC is the worst trol type of All Black supporter. Thank vok we don't have to read his kak week after week again.

The great thing about SA franchises joining the PRO16 is that it will leave our top players playing Currie Cup rugby.

SARU should leave the RC . Let tours take their rightful place again altho the All Blacks camp turned soft cocks of late.

Why tours? The SARU has boasted since the late 1990's that the Spingboks would be guaranteed a place in the 6N, with an equal share of revenue, and that all you needed to do was ask.

Anyway, good luck in the Pro 18 mate. Your teams won't be missed

Now now AC..............Who are you going to do your dollar a day and squatter camp gloating with...My Mt. Isa friend

[Carter's Choice]

Now now AC..............Who are you going to do your dollar a day and squatter camp gloating with...My Mt. Isa friend

That can be saved for SA v NZ test matches

To be fair, most of the trolling at Super Rugby level was South African posters vs South African posters. You guys fight like brothers.

[Biffer]

Waiting to hear understand Australia's on pitch success.

[Insane_Homer]

not sure about this, less Keewee refs is a good thing, but more French refs....

[Chilli]

Why does it mater to you?

I've followed SR for 26 years, and you have the gall to ask me why this matters to me? Seriously?

All that you have done for weeks now is whine about the South African Teams leaving and how happy it makes you.

Just be happy for yourself and stop whining.

[sturginho]

not sure about this, less Keewee refs is a good thing, but more French refs....

There are no French refs in the Pro14

[Slick]

not sure about this, less Keewee refs is a good thing, but more French refs....

There are no French refs in the Pro14

And wait until you meet the Irish ones...

[Jambanja]

Could you do a comparison of Saffer failure in Super Rugby vs Australian success?

The Australians never;

- Scheduled 3am kickoffs due to timezones
- Threatened to leave SR every time TV rights were up for negotiations
- Demanded non-neutral referees who then delivered 20-1 penalty counts for their own teams
- Constantly demanded expansion teams that got worse and worse over the years
- Demanded conferences to reduce their travel
- Demanded that at least one of their teams was guaranteed a place in the finals series, regardless of their actual points

Anyway, I don't want to come across as being negative. I am glad that Celtic nations and South Africa have come to an arrangement. Good for them, good for SA and ultimately good for Rugby as a game

Apart from the “3am kickoffs” , which by the way have been happening for 26 of the 26 years you’ve supposedly been watching soup rugby for, all the rest of your points could have been sorted out by any half decent administration and yet NZR Seem to have bent over and taken all these demands, sans lube, for 26 years, I’m puzzled as to why that has been the case ? Could you, as the super fan you say you are, shed some light on why this has been the case?

[stunt_cunt]

The timezone alignment makes sense. 18 teams seems quite a lot for this type of competition though, makes you wonder what format they will come up with.

[Carter's Choice]

Apart from the “3am kickoffs” , which by the way have been happening for 26 of the 26 years you’ve supposedly been watching soup rugby for, all the rest of your points could have been sorted out by any half decent administration and yet NZR Seem to have bent over and taken all these demands, sans lube, for 26 years, I’m puzzled as to why that has been the case ? Could you, as the super fan you say you are, shed some light on why this has been the case?

Sorry, not sure how the SARU were allowed to destroy SR, I'm not a SANZAAR director.

[Sandstorm]

Why does it mater to you?

I've followed SR for 26 years, and you have the gall to ask me why this matters to me? Seriously?

Fuck off! You’re a League fan who didn’t watch Soup until about 2003.

[Jambanja]

Apart from the “3am kickoffs” , which by the way have been happening for 26 of the 26 years you’ve supposedly been watching soup rugby for, all the rest of your points could have been sorted out by any half decent administration and yet NZR Seem to have bent over and taken all these demands, sans lube, for 26 years, I’m puzzled as to why that has been the case ? Could you, as the super fan you say you are, shed some light on why this has been the case?

Sorry, not sure how the SARU were allowed to destroy SR, I'm not a SANZAAR director.

Yet you seem happy to absolve NZR of all blame and have laid all of it firmly at the feet of SARU, good job champ, guess this is why nobody really takes you that seriously

[Un Pilier]

not sure about this, less Keewee refs is a good thing, but more French refs....

Zoot Alors! Not spotted them to date

[Enzedder]

Just for clarity, have we actually been accepted 'up norf' or is SARU just strutting around with its limp cock hanging out?

Do we have an answer for this query yet?

[Jb1981]

Just for clarity, have we actually been accepted 'up norf' or is SARU just strutting around with its limp cock hanging out?

Do we have an answer for this query yet?

I believe they see it as a done deal but are technically still strutting. Let’s hope they don’t head home needing a cold shower if the “sure thing”, isn’t.

[Kiap]

Just for clarity, have we actually been accepted 'up norf' or is SARU just strutting around with its limp cock hanging out?

Do we have an answer for this query yet?

I believe they see it as a done deal but are technically still strutting. Let’s hope they don’t head home needing a cold shower if the “sure thing”, isn’t.

"Technically" it's just a short-term (1-year?) deal for our covid-affected times.

I'm willing to punt on it being agreed by the northerners.

Whether it is played and how it might prosper from there are then separate questions.