I have just read about Rassie Erasmus’ involvement in a proposed new Super Rugby comp in 2012, which will be modeled on the very successful Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket competition.
Apparently the model will run “with shorter matches lasting only half as long as a normal game, and adjustments to rules to make the game faster.”
This is a very interesting and innovative idea. It is proposed to run for three weeks involving eight teams, with the aim of allowing the South African players to earn much higher incomes staying home rather than heading off to Europe.
I would assume that many New Zealand/Australian players would also seek to be involved. It will be interesting if this succeeds how the changes to the rules might force more widespread changes to rugby.
It will also be interesting to see if this type of competition filters through to have local models set up in Australia, like Twenty20 cricket. This could help to boost player numbers and crowd support.
I have often thought that pushing for improvements via separate competitions works better than going through the whole IRB process, but what does this mean for rugby locally? Can you see something like this being successful?
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
VC, (sound of something sticking in craw, before ...) Ptooey!! Agree with you completely. This has all the half ar$ed smell of the World Rugby Corporation circa 1995. But with a worse concept. As someone says elsewhere, we have sevens already. Can you imagine how the IRB will greet this? bans for all involved!!!
LH
Guest
it is a short version of the 15's game so there is still need of good front rowers not the useless league props and their girly scrum.
Ben J
Guest
Well, maybe not the worst idea ever, there could be plenty of companies who would like to enter a market which is not completely owned by the IRB, SARU or Vodacom who has the sponsorships sewn up for many years to come. 7's in SA is not that big because it is played every year in a tiny little hole called George and if something like an IPL styled comp with all the bells and whistles could be packaged attractively for spectators there is no reason why it cannot be successful.
TembaVJ
Guest
Its going to make diving for the corner tri very hard....
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I present in opposition, one Matt Dunning. I rest my case.
Midfielder
Guest
Kiwis have solved the marketing problem for the Super 15 ... http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/players-bare-all-for-true-rugby-test-20100621-yql6.html?rand=1277093713944 Play in the nude boys that will get the ladies in...
klestical
Guest
this is one of the worst ideas i've ever heard. haven't we just had 7's admitted into the Olympics where games aren't as long and the game is faster? so now we have 15's, 10's,7's and Twenty20 Rugby. not to mention every second string team is now called 'barbarians'. let's erode everything good about rugby.
counterruck
Guest
whats the point. there is already 7's.
TembaVJ
Guest
I have my doubts but it could be done, it worked with the IPL so who knows, same time line as the Europe. If the investment is right they will make it happen. Its only 3 weeks and might promote rugby the way 20/20 did for cricket. The market is perfect for it in South Africa, they are not fighting 3-4 other football codes like Australia. If they get the laws and the money right it can work. Rassie is not a clown, look at what he has done for the Stormers. Plenty of money in rugby over in SA, investment will come from companies and not SARU.
Brett McKay
Guest
why would broadcasters and advertisers rush to a new version of game with only half the opportunity to get return on investment and to promote their brand?? This is the first I've heard about this idea, but I have my doubts. I doubt very much the existing SANZAR contracts, including that for a new Super 15 starting next year, would allow such an idea to be entertained by nations and/or players, too..
Viscount Crouchback
Guest
It's one of the most half-baked ideas I've ever heard. Do they seriously expect English, Irish and French players to reject big money contracts with their unions in favour of some tinpot competition in the middle of their seasons? And where's all the revenue supposed to come from? The South Africans play in front of half-empty stadiums already, so goodness knows how this tournament will fit into an already saturated market. The Africans would do well to put this silly idea quietly to bed rather than make a fool of themselves (and anger other unions) by persisting with it.
LH
Guest
i can see the nrl player having a clause on their contracts so they could make money as well. good idea if it doesnt clash with 15's and 7's.