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The Sunwolves have been reportedly axed from Super Rugby by SANZAAR, and the rugby world, to put it nicely, is fuming.
In what’s likely to be the biggest rugby story of the year outside the World Cup, social media has predictably erupted.
The news, which has been rumoured for a couple of weeks, has been confirmed by many major news outlets on Wednesday afternoon. It’s still unclear whether the Japanese side will play next year or not, but one way or another, the competition will revert to 14 teams by the beginning of the 2021 season.
Scotty Stevenson of TVNZ has been quoted saying the Sunwolves will survive for 2020 thanks to the broadcast detail, which expires following next season.
Sunwolves will stay in competition for the remainder of current broadcast deal – last season 2020
— Scotty Stevenson (@sumostevenson) March 20, 2019
Roar expert Brett McKay led the charge, tweeting that it was wrong on so many levels. There was also the question of why the Sunwolves would bother to play out the 2019 season when there was no future for the club.
What reason do the Sunwolves have to play out the 2019 season now?
What incentive to players have now, to give everything?
If SANZAAR were so strong on the benefits of a Japanese team three seasons ago, why have they backflipped already?
— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) March 20, 2019
Fans were quick to lament the loss of the franchise, who picked up their first win away from home in the competition after a number of seasons of trying just a few weeks ago against the Chiefs.
That sucks the Sunwolves are being dumped from Super Rugby at the end of the season. Looked as though they were just coming into their own
— Matt. ???? (@Matt4RD) March 20, 2019
So they decide to get rid of the Sunwolves as soon as they start to get good ????????????@gagr https://t.co/M4DvBjUoaY
— Nathan Williamson (@NathW1997) March 20, 2019
There was one silver lining though, as far as Super Rugby fans might be concerned. The end of the dreaded conference system, which has made the competition confusing to follow since its inception in 2016.
With the top of the standings guaranteed to be the top side out of each conference, it created farcical scenes in the finals, with teams winning home finals when they otherwise would have struggled to make the top eight.
If the Sunwolves and the conference system are both axed ahead of next season, I’ll at least be stoked about the latter. #SuperRugby
— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) March 20, 2019
Western Force supporters were quick to jump on the wagon though, wondering if the Sunwolves brand could be saved by being included in the first official Global Rapid Rugby season in 2020.
– Is Andrew Forrest on a flight to Tokyo yet? #RapidRugby #SaveOurSunwolves #Sunwolves #superrugby https://t.co/kbm11eauOD
— Jamie Spragg (@jamiespragg) March 20, 2019
Decent crowds (compared to others), sizeable TV audience and an improving team. Has Twiggy got the Sunwolves phone number @LouisHWatt ? https://t.co/YLzGRwrhGD
— Daniel McHardy (@SnakeMcHardy) March 20, 2019
@rapidrugby @sunwolves @westernforce would really love to see the Sunwolves in GRR wonderful supporters and Quality team
— Craig (@balumbah) March 20, 2019
Of course, some, like Roar expert AJ Mithen, could still see the funny side of it.
#NeverForget #Sunwolves #Pinging #Crisis pic.twitter.com/ciHRLMdO5I
— AJ Mithen (@AJMithen) March 20, 2019
There will be nothing funny for the franchise, players, coaches and fans though, with an announcement due by SANZAAR at 2pm (AEDT) on Friday.
????#BREAKING:????
SANZAAR have a statement saying it will make an announcement on the future of Super Rugby on Friday at 4pm NZT.#SuperRugby #Future #RugbyTalk ???? #SportsTalkNZ ???? pic.twitter.com/oMGrAU7m3Q
— SportsTalkNZ (@NZ_SportsTalk) March 20, 2019