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SANZAR are in an enviable position regarding who they will choose come Super Rugby’s next expansion in 2011. In terms of Expressions of Interest (EOI), ten could be seen as an embarrassment of riches.
This brings me to my title.
With Ten EOIs, why only restrict Super Rugby to fifteen teams when conceivably there could be eighteen in 2011.
With this level of interest, why wait until the next opportunity to expand post 2011?
With seven EOIs from within Australia, two from New Zealand, and, of course, the Southern Kings from South Africa, could it not be possible that instead just of one new licence, four could be awarded?
And wouldn’t an eighteen team Super Rugby tournament be a more attractive product for broadcasters with the competition able to reach greater audiences?
Plus, it leaves the 2013 window open for possible inclusion of Asian and/or Americas based teams.
Currently the ‘new’ Super Rugby format involves three conferences of five teams based out of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Why not three conferences of six? And the candidates for such an ambitious expansion are obvious.
Victoria:
Three independent EOIs emerged from Victoria alone. Obviously, this creates a highly competitive process. Of these three, there is a chance that two, if not all, could merge, creating a formidable mixture of business nous (Harold Mitchell backing the Official VRU bid) and experience (Geoff Lord, Melbourne Victory Chairman, fronting the Belgravia Group bid).
In terms of financial reasoning, Victoria, amongst the Australian bids, is the clear favourite backed by the growth potential of the State.
Western Sydney:
In terms of sporting talent alone, Western Sydney is arguably Australia’s hotspot, so much so that, along with this bid, both the FFA and AFL plan to establish their own clubs in an area populated by more the 2 million people.
And I won’t even mention rugby league’s links with Western Sydney.
Currently Western Sydney is the most neglected region in terms of rugby, but also holds the greatest opportunity for expansion for rugby in Australia.
Overlooking Western Sydney, once again, would be madness.
Hawke’s Bay/Taranaki:
I have combined these two purely on the grounds of lack of knowledge of the regions. Alone, both provide strong cases possessing the appropriate facilities, player depth and local support. But I believe a combined bid between the two would be undeniable.
Southern Kings:
In term of preparedness, probably the most advanced. And in terms of politics, after the Spears debacle, seen as the most critical from the SARU’s perspective. But due to geographical issues, such as team playing in the Australian conference, this just isn’t practical.
A Super 18 in 2011 would provide all three SANZAR nations with greater levels of participation and opportunity for rugby players within their borders to ply their trade without having to look elsewhere – be it another code or overseas.
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.