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Opinion
The simplest way forward for Super Rugby is to just close off the conferences until the finals.
This means no cross-conference games during the regular season, with only the best teams in each conference qualifying to play in the cross-conference finals.
Of course this idea has been proposed many times before, but perhaps the competition has never quite been ready for it for a number of reasons.
However, the post-COVID-19 world may necessitate such a change, and this idea offers several advantages.
For one, expensive international travel and player fatigue will be drastically reduced. It would also give the competition a domestic feel, much to the delight of many Australian fans, without losing the international component altogether or the perception of a single Super Rugby competition. Every team would also consistently get a home match every second week.
The international component would become mysterious and interesting again because it’s a return to the idea of ‘our best versus your best’, which was the original drawcard for Super Rugby. And the flip side means no more struggling teams from different countries playing each other as a non-event.
Under this plan the domestic component would remain ‘super’ interesting as teams seek to qualify for the cross-conference finals. But I can imagine fans will also be interested in games from the other two conferences, particularly as the anticipation builds towards the cross-conference finals. And if you like New Zealand derby games, you get them every week!
Each conference will still get to have teams qualify for the finals, but without the integrity of the competition being called into question.
Almost every match during the regular season will be on at a prime time for the fans of any team. Each governing body can take control of their own game schedule in this regard.
Finally, the SANZAAR partnership can stay intact in order to protect the Rugby Championship.
To be sure, there are some disadvantages and reasonable objections to this concept. But no model is perfect, and this one has a good chance at revitalising Super Rugby in these unprecedented times.
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.