Rugby Australia respond to New Zealand's competition proposal

Rugby Australia have provided a coy response to New Zealand's revealing plans to leave SANZAAR and Super Rugby in favour of a new-look franchise competition in 2021.

A three-month NZR review has concluded Super Rugby should be replaced by a new competition featuring all five existing Kiwi franchises plus a Pacific team, and should number eight-to-10 teams in total.

This would leave room four up to four Australian teams and precludes the inclusion of any franchises from South Africa, Argentina or Japan. The move from New Zealand would likely see South Africa head North with reports suggesting that South Africa will eventually join an expanded PRO14.

New Zealand is set to bring a 25-year relationship with SANZAAR to an end in favour of starting a new competition.

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 17, 2020

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said Australian interest would be sought next week from their current Super teams and other “interested parties” to join the competition. “We are excited and interested to see what our Australian neighbours will bring to this competition,” Robinson said.

In the meantime, Australia released the following statement shortly after New Zealand revealed their plans:

"Rugby Australia acknowledges New Zealand Rugby’s preferred position following their announcement today regarding a potential future provincial competition from 2021 and look forward to working constructively with New Zealand Rugby in the coming weeks.

Rugby Australia will also continue its discussions with stakeholders in Australia and is in constant consultation with our valued SANZAAR Joint Venture partners.

Due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby Australia recognises that there is a need to review the sustainability and practicality of the current Super Rugby competition and consider alternative models that are in the best interests of Australian Rugby from 2021 and beyond."