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Murmurs surrounding the Japanese team due to come into Super Rugby in 2016 have been growing louder as the deadline to be ready approaches.
With just over six months to go before the new 18-team competition, involving an extra team from South Africa and Argentina as well as Japan, kicks off, fresh doubts have surfaced about whether the Japanese team will be ready in time.
Eddie Jones has announced he will not coach the team, and is rumoured to be in talks with the Stormers.
Contracting players is a battle for the prospective team, with clubs unwilling to finance a Super Rugby team by paying players’ salaries.
SANZAR, though, remain committed to seeing 18 teams take the pitch next year.
The Roar got in touch with SANZAR, who said they want a Japanese team in the competition in 2016.
“SANZAR is continuing to work closely with the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) as it strives to meet robust criteria for introduction to Super Rugby in 2016.
“A project of this magnitude doesn’t come without its challenges, however we remain resolute and committed to working through these with the JRFU to prepare for an expanded 18-team competition in 2016.”
The challenges appear to be plentiful.
On top of the player contracts, attracting talent and coaches, the team still doesn’t have a name, a jersey or even colours. There’s no real word on whether it will be a rebranded national team, and whether there’s any support for it like there is the Japanese Top League.
SANZAR interim CEO Brendan Morris spoke to the Daily Telegraph about whether plans were being discussed in case a Japanese franchise isn’t ready in time.
“There have been 35 different models going around over the past two years about what Super Rugby would potentially look like, but at the moment we are very committed to an 18-team competition, because that’s what we want. We intend to get there but obviously the next couple of weeks are pretty crucial.”
Morris said there has been no deadline placed on when the team would have to meet the criteria by.
He then addressed the fact that preparations for the team’s arrival were running behind schedule.
“I don’t think it is any shock to anybody… that some of the progress isn’t as fast as some of the other teams. That’s no secret.
“We are currently monitoring that. We are monitoring all three to be honest. With Japan being new they obviously have a fair few more challenges that the other guys haven’t had to jump over. We are working with them pretty closely at the moment to try and get them up to speed and get them across the line, which would be great for everybody.”
Speaking of the contractual issues being worked through at the moment, Morris was confident they were no greater than what other clubs face.
“They are going through those challenges at the moment in it is a little bit like the UK scenario, where the clubs have a bit more cash and a bit more power than the national union. That’s the challenge they are finding at the moment, with enticing the players. They will get there. We’d like them to be advanced than what they are but it is what it is, and we are trying to bridge that gap for them.”
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.