Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Rugby Australia boss says a Pacific Island Super Rugby team based in Auckland would be 'madness'

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

A professional Pasifika team has become the instant new battleground between New Zealand and Australian rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

And Australia is continuing to fight back against powerful New Zealand as rugby’s warring neighbours try to re-shape the game.

The relationship between New Zealand and Australian rugby reached another new low when former All Black coach Steve Hansen re-opened old wounds and issued a “we owe them nothing” statement last week.

Video Spacer

Win £5000 for your local club thanks to Budgy Smuggler

Video Spacer

Win £5000 for your local club thanks to Budgy Smuggler

Former Aussie boss John O’Neil hit back, and the current administration isn’t lying down either.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan says Sydney should be the base for a new Pasifika team even though there is an assumption in New Zealand that it will be located in South Auckland.

There are strong Samoan, Tongan and Fijian communities in the Sydney western suburbs in particular.

McLennan is also calling on the formation of the team to be delayed for a year.

And one of Sydney’s biggest newspapers has described New Zealand as displaying “sheer arrogance” in trying to dominate the competition to replace Super Rugby.

McLennan said: “We have a large and wonderful Pacific Islander population in Sydney and I think that would strengthen rugby long term.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Basing them in Auckland would be detrimental to the Blues, it would be madness for the Blues.

“I think the Pasifika idea is brilliant, but I would be housing them in Sydney. And because of COVID, the fact we don’t know what’s happening, I am not sure we could guarantee them for next year.

“Maybe we should be planning for them to be involved from 2022.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCcn9Utg8vm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Initial proposals emerging out of New Zealand Rugby’s Aratipu report centred on an eight team competition which cut the number of Australian’s franchises from five to two.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Telegraph raged: “No-one should be kidding themselves that Australia’s five-team domestic competition is at the same standard as New Zealand’s version, but that’s hardly the point.

“The sheer arrogance of the Kiwis in suggesting that Australia’s teams aren’t worthy of joining their planned competition for 2021 has got up everyone’s nose.

“If the Kiwis want to go it alone, then hasta la vista.

“Australian rugby will be just fine without them and this weekend (of rugby action) was the proof.”

McLennan however is hopeful of reaching an agreement to secure the future of all Australian franchises.

“Hopefully we are moving in the right direction, an eight-team competition with two Australian sides doesn’t work for us,” he said.

“So if 10 teams is on the table then we have the chance to create a world-class competition which will be highly valued and extremely exciting.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

R
RedWarrior 46 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?

8 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline? Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline?
Search