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As seemingly one of the few supporters of Super Rugby’s expansion into Japan, a dastardly blow has been delivered to my hope of supporting a half decent Japanese team next year.
It has been announced that Eddie Jones, who was meant to take the role of director of rugby for Japan’s new franchise, will now reportedly become the highest paid coach in South Africa taking a contract worth five million rand a year (AUD $525,288) .
A few months back the Japanese Rugby Union [JRU] announced that they would take a fans’ vote in naming the new team, which they said would be announced at the end of July. It is now mid August and nothing has eventuated.
SANZAR were hoping to see a squad list announced with a majority of players signed by the beginning of June. So far the franchise has two confirmed signings. Added to that the Brave Blossom captain Michael Leitch will stay at the Chiefs next year and Hendrik Tui will be staying at the Reds for another year. That is two of their best players that they will now have to do without.
I was at the Brave Blossoms versus All Blacks game in 2013 and I have seen how the Japanese love rugby with a passion. If you watch any Top League games you will see exciting, fast expansive rugby. So I do hope that they can get their stuff together in the next five months.
If the JRU manage to broker a deal with the Cooperation-owned clubs there is a wealth of talent in the Top League to put together a decent team of Japanese and foreign players. Berrick Barnes for one comes to mind.
But the Japanese clubs are quite right to protect their players, whom they are paying a pretty penny to play in the Top League and not the Super Rugby competition. Not only that, but as soon as the Super Rugby comp kicks off in Japan the Top League becomes the dreaded ‘third tier’, instantly wiping off marketing value.
So there are some serious challenges ahead for Japan and Eddie Jones jumping ship certainly will not help things.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.