The future of a South Africa-free Rugby Championship?

[Carter's Choice]

So where doe we go now that the South Africans have left SANZAAR and joined the 7N? What are our options?

We need a regular, SH international comp to stay financially viable. NZ and Australia will continue to work professionally and harmoniously together as they have always done, and I believe that Argentina is still very keen to stay involved. A four team comp is the minimum size, and so what are our options?

Japan: Great timezone for NZ and Aust, and commercially would make sense. The big downside is that Japan is located in the NH and playing tests over there in the middle of summer would be uncomfortable.

Fiji: The biggest and best of the PI's. They would bring lots of passion and excitement to the comp and would improve as a result of regular elite competition. The timezone is also great for NZ and Australian, but commercially not as appealing.

A combined Pacific Island team": Could be very exciting. Would be stronger than a stand alone Fiji and provide a great pathway for PI eligible players. Would be a great way of keeping PI eligible players in the Southern Hemisphere.

[Jb1981]

A combined Pacific Island team would be great. One question (assuming in future we are back to the June international window) is the impact on the respective Nation’s individual schedules. If the best players joined a combined team, would the Pacific Nations Cup continue with weakened sides or could scheduling allow both to coexist?

Logistically the team may have to base itself out of Australia or NZ, but if it could be managed it could generate some good revenue for the Pacific Island unions.

[Carter's Choice]

A combined Pacific Island team would be great. One question (assuming in future we are back to the June international window) is the impact on the respective Nation’s individual schedules. If the best players joined a combined team, would the Pacific Nations Cup continue with weakened sides or could scheduling allow both to coexist?

Logistically the team may have to base itself out of Australia or NZ, but if it could be managed it could generate some good revenue for the Pacific Island unions.

Auckland or Western Sydney would be the obvious locations for a PI team. They would enjoy immense support if marketed well.

[Kiwias]

A combined Pacific Island team would be great. One question (assuming in future we are back to the June international window) is the impact on the respective Nation’s individual schedules. If the best players joined a combined team, would the Pacific Nations Cup continue with weakened sides or could scheduling allow both to coexist?

Logistically the team may have to base itself out of Australia or NZ, but if it could be managed it could generate some good revenue for the Pacific Island unions.

If none of the matches are to be played in the PI, would this need to include a revenue-sharing agreement?

[Carter's Choice]

A combined Pacific Island team would be great. One question (assuming in future we are back to the June international window) is the impact on the respective Nation’s individual schedules. If the best players joined a combined team, would the Pacific Nations Cup continue with weakened sides or could scheduling allow both to coexist?

Logistically the team may have to base itself out of Australia or NZ, but if it could be managed it could generate some good revenue for the Pacific Island unions.

If none of the matches are to be played in the PI, would this need to include a revenue-sharing agreement?

They would be a tenant at whatever venue they played at, just like the current SR franchises are.

[Chilli]

NZ and Australia will continue to work professionally and harmoniously together as they have always done,

When will your lies end?

[Sards]

I am deeply disappointed that it has come to this.
Good luck our brothers from other mothers. Not all South africans support this.

[Slick]

A combined Pacific Island team would be great. One question (assuming in future we are back to the June international window) is the impact on the respective Nation’s individual schedules. If the best players joined a combined team, would the Pacific Nations Cup continue with weakened sides or could scheduling allow both to coexist?

Logistically the team may have to base itself out of Australia or NZ, but if it could be managed it could generate some good revenue for the Pacific Island unions.

If none of the matches are to be played in the PI, would this need to include a revenue-sharing agreement?

They would be a tenant at whatever venue they played at, just like the current SR franchises are.

Sounds like another selfish, cynical ploy to get a tournament running, make some cash and not really help the PI’s at all

[Carter's Choice]

I am deeply disappointed that it has come to this.
Good luck our brothers from other mothers. Not all South africans support this.

My preference was to keep the old format of the old Rugby Championship, but most of the South African posters have already boasted that they will be part of the 7 Nations in 2021. NZR and RA have been badly burned by South Africa not showing up to play this year.

[Jb1981]

If none of the matches are to be played in the PI, would this need to include a revenue-sharing agreement?

They would be a tenant at whatever venue they played at, just like the current SR franchises are.

Sounds like another selfish, cynical ploy to get a tournament running, make some cash and not really help the PI’s at all

Why would a tenant arrangement be selfish and not help? When the ABs played in Samoa the logistics actually cost them money. If this was a combined team too, would a single PI base be feasible? You could potentially burden three countries with loss making costs for the sake of them playing at home. We have had PI “home” games in NZ before, this (or an Australian base) could take the same approach.

[Fonz]

Japan's the obvious answer really.

I thought the whole thing about a combined PI team is that the Islanders themselves aren't actually interested in it?

Just go with Fiji for the reasons mentioned above if you want islanders involved. No made up sides.

A 5N with Fiji and Japan would be really neat imo.

[assfly]

Calm down, we'll be back next year.

Zero chance of us joining the 6N.

[Slick]

They would be a tenant at whatever venue they played at, just like the current SR franchises are.

Sounds like another selfish, cynical ploy to get a tournament running, make some cash and not really help the PI’s at all

Why would a tenant arrangement be selfish and not help? When the ABs played in Samoa the logistics actually cost them money. If this was a combined team too, would a single PI base be feasible? You could potentially burden three countries with loss making costs for the sake of them playing at home. We have had PI “home” games in NZ before, this (or an Australian base) could take the same approach.

If it’s not help in the PI’s and it’s not developing a pathway for home grown PI players then it is just a gimmick. It’s going to end up just being for NZ players of PI heritage with the odd local thrown in.

If it was going to be meaningful then NZ/AUS and WR need to put investment in to infrastructure and pathways on the islands to make it a real PI team. I actually think if NZ and AUS are serious about it them WR should be throwing money at the idea

[Guy Smiley]

Japan's the obvious answer really.

I thought the whole thing about a combined PI team is that the Islanders themselves aren't actually interested in it?

Just go with Fiji for the reasons mentioned above if you want islanders involved. No made up sides.

A 5N with Fiji and Japan would be really neat imo.

Gets my vote

[Carter's Choice]

Calm down, we'll be back next year.

Zero chance of us joining the 6N.

Why would NZR and RA accept the SARU back after what's happened this year? The SARU selfish decision to stay home in 2020 will cost both NZ and Australia tens of millions of $USD - it could even bankrupt them. And there is no guarantee that the Springboks would bother turning up in 2021 because they are still beholden to the NH clubs and the vagaries of covid-19 and international travel.

[Slick]

Japan's the obvious answer really.

I thought the whole thing about a combined PI team is that the Islanders themselves aren't actually interested in it?

Just go with Fiji for the reasons mentioned above if you want islanders involved. No made up sides.

A 5N with Fiji and Japan would be really neat imo.

My problem with that is that you thrown Samoa and Tonga under a bus.

Why not have the “PI Lions” as the pinnacle for the players once a year. To qualify they have to have played for their own nations a set number of times in the year. Pay them a proper wage to play in the championship so the European clubs don’t have so much leverage over the players in international windows.

Develop 3 grounds on the islands and rotate so that the local economies benefit and kids can watch them live etc.

The PI’s are a massive attraction for occasional rugby fans as well as us regulars so I would think they do bring a value. They have been fucked over for so long but in the post Covid era there is a chance to really help. As I said earlier, WR should throw money at it

[Blake]

LOL

Better get working on that sweet sweet Japanese money the Kiwis were always on about. After their success in the last World Cup you’re never going to have a better opportunity than now. Better get to it.


We’ve been told repeatedly that we are not wanted and not needed, so time to put up or shut up.

[Jb1981]

LOL

Better get working on that sweet sweet Japanese money the Kiwis were always on about. After their success in the last World Cup you’re never going to have a better opportunity than now. Better get to it.


We’ve been told repeatedly that we are not wanted and not needed, so time to put up or shut up.

Let’s see how this plays out for all parties. Right now it feels like victory is being declared based on who may lose least.

[Sandstorm]

Japan's the obvious answer really.

I thought the whole thing about a combined PI team is that the Islanders themselves aren't actually interested in it?

Just go with Fiji for the reasons mentioned above if you want islanders involved. No made up sides.

A 5N with Fiji and Japan would be really neat imo.

My problem with that is that you thrown Samoa and Tonga under a bus.

Why not have the “PI Lions” as the pinnacle for the players once a year. To qualify they have to have played for their own nations a set number of times in the year. Pay them a proper wage to play in the championship so the European clubs don’t have so much leverage over the players in international windows.

Develop 3 grounds on the islands and rotate so that the local economies benefit and kids can watch them live etc.

The PI’s are a massive attraction for occasional rugby fans as well as us regulars so I would think they do bring a value. They have been fucked over for so long but in the post Covid era there is a chance to really help. As I said earlier, WR should throw money at it

Kiwis don’t give a shit about their cousins. Always chasing Saffer or Japanese TV money.

[ASMO]

Feels to me there are no winners in this it is a race to the bottom, not the top.

[sunnybanana]

Calm down, we'll be back next year.

Zero chance of us joining the 6N.

Why would NZR and RA accept the SARU back after what's happened this year? The SARU selfish decision to stay home in 2020 will cost both NZ and Australia tens of millions of $USD - it could even bankrupt them. And there is no guarantee that the Springboks would bother turning up in 2021 because they are still beholden to the NH clubs and the vagaries of covid-19 and international travel.

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all- ... extinction

[Blake]

LOL

Better get working on that sweet sweet Japanese money the Kiwis were always on about. After their success in the last World Cup you’re never going to have a better opportunity than now. Better get to it.


We’ve been told repeatedly that we are not wanted and not needed, so time to put up or shut up.

Let’s see how this plays out for all parties. Right now it feels like victory is being declared based on who may lose least.

Nobody is declaring victory boet, but some Kiwis seem to be declaring defeat...which is weird because we’ve been repeatedly told we weren’t welcome and weren’t needed.

[stemoc]

Fiji can never field a full strength team in the "5N" mainly cause all our big players play in france and u idiots don't know much about how french rugby can force players to retire from international rugby instead of playing for their national teams..we could have field a full strength team if jock hobbs died sooner..a majority of players eligible for fiji in super rugby CANNOT currently play for fiji cause if they did, they'd lose their super rugby contract..so fiji will respectfully decline and tell you assholes to go fuck a cactus.

[Carter's Choice]

Spoiler

Show

Fiji can never field a full strength team in the "5N" mainly cause all our big players play in france and u idiots don't know much about how french rugby can force players to retire from international rugby instead of playing for their national teams..we could have field a full strength team if jock hobbs died sooner..a majority of players eligible for fiji in super rugby CANNOT currently play for fiji cause if they did, they'd lose their super rugby contract..so fiji will respectfully decline and tell you assholes to go fuck a cactus.

Is that the whole point of a potential Fijian team in SR? That Fijian international players would have the option of playing professional rugby in the SH? Whist the salaries may not compete with the wealthy French clubs, SR teams pay their players enough money to live a comfortable lifestyle.

[stemoc]

A fijian team in SR is never going to happen cause NZRU won't allow it, so stop dreaming, that dangling carrot has kept us waiting for nearly 2 decades now, samoa and Tonga can be fooled by that bullshit rhetoric now but not fiji..a few in the Mitre10 are now moving to Europe, 3 are named in the fiji team for the ANC..Fiji isn't your "rebound guy", go fuck up those 2 other Polynesian countries..

[Carter's Choice]

A fijian team in SR is never going to happen cause NZRU won't allow it, so stop dreaming, that dangling carrot has kept us waiting for nearly 2 decades now, samoa and Tonga can be fooled by that bullshit rhetoric now but not fiji..a few in the Mitre10 are now moving to Europe, 3 are named in the fiji team for the ANC..Fiji isn't your "rebound guy", go fuck up those 2 other Polynesian countries..

Mate, it was just a speculative comment on an online rugby chat site. This line of discussion seems to have really upset you. Stay off the kava dude.

[OomStruisbaai]

RC without the Springbokke will fail miserably.

This tournaments is a no go in the future. Long tours is the way forward.

[Jb1981]

RC without the Springbokke will fail miserably.

This tournaments is a no go in the future. Long tours is the way forward.

This may get discussed later. We are watching a pretty high quality live test currently.

[handyman]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

[Chilli]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

Like AC promised they would?

[Carter's Choice]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

The announcement that SA was too cowardly to participate in this year's RC was only made a week ago. Give it time, the SARU will get what they deserve.

[Carter's Choice]

RC without the Springbokke will fail miserably.

This tournaments is a no go in the future. Long tours is the way forward.

Long tours

You mean like months long?

[Sards]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

The announcement that SA was too cowardly to participate in this year's RC was only made a week ago. Give it time, the SARU will get what they deserve.

The money....all that lovely money for doing nothing. Bring it on .

[Chilli]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

The announcement that SA was too cowardly to participate in this year's RC was only made a week ago. Give it time, the SARU will get what they deserve.

You mean R130 000 000? Yeah, we deserve that

[NotNaki]

Despite their "player welfare"/cowardice stance for this tournament, SA will be involved in whatever southern international tournament emerges from the corona swamp. They're never going to be accepted into the 6Ns and, unlike Super Rugby, the RC is still a viable concern both financially and competitively. As much as many fans would love to see it a return to intermittent but long form tours isn't going to happen.

[Sards]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

The announcement that SA was too cowardly to participate in this year's RC was only made a week ago. Give it time, the SARU will get what they deserve.

You mean R130 000 000? Yeah, we deserve that

Damn right....cmasn mates and bros....work it. Work it....make us that lovely money whilst we sit on our couches enjoying the braai.

[OomStruisbaai]

Why aren't Aus and NZ taking the SARU to court for breach of contract?

The announcement that SA was too cowardly to participate in this year's RC was only made a week ago. Give it time, the SARU will get what they deserve.

You mean R130 000 000? Yeah, we deserve that

We deserve it because we give the sponsor for the tournament.

[OomStruisbaai]

Despite their "player welfare"/cowardice stance for this tournament, SA will be involved in whatever southern international tournament emerges from the corona swamp. They're never going to be accepted into the 6Ns and, unlike Super Rugby, the RC is still a viable concern both financially and competitively. As much as many fans would love to see it a return to intermittent but long form tours isn't going to happen.

That's your opinion. The reality is that you will be vokked money wise without us.

Blame it on the Crusader arrogant Robinson.

[Carter's Choice]

Despite their "player welfare"/cowardice stance for this tournament, SA will be involved in whatever southern international tournament emerges from the corona swamp. They're never going to be accepted into the 6Ns and, unlike Super Rugby, the RC is still a viable concern both financially and competitively. As much as many fans would love to see it a return to intermittent but long form tours isn't going to happen.

That's your opinion. The reality is that you will be vokked money wise without us.

You're like a stuck record.

The reality is, all the member nations of the Rugby Championship depend on each other to form the comp. That's how partnerships work. The SARU hasn't done anyone any favours, the comp would be just as unattractive to corporate sponsors and TV broadcasters without the AB's or the Wallabies. If South Africa had never joined the Tri Nations back in 1996 then NZ and Australia would have organised their affairs differently. But yes, pulling out of the comp two weeks before it was meant to start has left NZR and RA "vokked".

[Carter's Choice]

Despite their "player welfare"/cowardice stance for this tournament, SA will be involved in whatever southern international tournament emerges from the corona swamp. They're never going to be accepted into the 6Ns and, unlike Super Rugby, the RC is still a viable concern both financially and competitively. As much as many fans would love to see it a return to intermittent but long form tours isn't going to happen.

That's your opinion. The reality is that you will be vokked money wise without us.

Blame it on the Crusader arrogant Robinson.

It's Robinson's fault that your players couldn't amass 500 minutes of Rugby before the tournament started?