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Ex-Wallaby says it would be 'crazy' not to welcome a Japanese team into revamped Super Rugby

(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Former Wallabies forward Pek Cowan says it would be “crazy” not to consider having a Japanese team in a revamped Australian Super Rugby competition.

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If a Trans-Tasman competition featuring Australian and New Zealand sides fails to get off the ground for 2021, Rugby Australia could launch its own eight-team competition.

That would feature the five current Australian sides, as well as teams from Japan, Argentina, and Fiji.

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It’s reported the Japanese-based Sunwolves, who are set to be booted out of Super Rugby at the end of 2020, are in RA’s sights.

Cowan, who has been playing with Japanese outfit Shimizu Blue Sharks since 2017, has seen first-hand the rapid growth of the sport in the country.

The 34-year-old feels a Japanese side would be a good fit for any new competition.

“I think it’s definitely something that needs to be discussed seriously,” Cowan said.

“Japanese rugby in general has really taken a step forward, especially after the World Cup.

“The excitement around the game, the excitement around the Sunwolves and the Japanese national team – it’s definitely something that’s grown immensely since I arrived there in 2017.

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“You’d be crazy to think that if you had that opportunity, why wouldn’t you utilise that?

“But at the same time, I guess it needs to work for everyone.”

Cowan has been granted short-term leave from the Sharks to play for the Force in Super Rugby AU.

The veteran prop only started training with the Force in recent days after serving his two-week quarantine period, and is unlikely to play in Saturday’s ‘home’ clash with the Brumbies at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.

The Force will be without former Wallaby Greg Holmes, who broke his thumb in last week’s 31-24 loss to the Reds.

Cowan has been impressed by the Force’s first two displays, especially considering they were widely tipped to be easy beats.

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“We turned a lot of heads, especially last week against the Reds,” Cowan said.

“We were able to score points. Our set piece was strong.”

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R
RedWarrior 54 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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