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Rugby Australia propose player draft for potential trans-Tasman competition

Adam Thomson

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan has suggested that one possible solution to the perceived inequality between New Zealand and Australian Super Rugby sides could be a competition-wide player draft.

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RA and NZR have been locked in a fairly public battle over the make-up of a potential trans-Tasman competition to replace Super Rugby. While NZR favour two to four Australian sides being included, RA are adamant that all five of their Super Rugby AU sides – including the Western Force – will be a fixture in any mooted competition.

The relative strength of the Kiwi sides compared to their Australian counterparts would likely lead to a fairly lopsided draw but McLennan’s suggestion that a draft could be introduced would potentially help to even out any inequalities.

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Ross Karl is joined by James Parsons of the Blues and Bryn Hall of the Crusaders to discuss all the action from Round 9 of Super Rugby Aotearoa and all the chat around the game in NZ.

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Ross Karl is joined by James Parsons of the Blues and Bryn Hall of the Crusaders to discuss all the action from Round 9 of Super Rugby Aotearoa and all the chat around the game in NZ.

The proposed draft wouldn’t necessarily be restricted to just a trans-Tasman competition, however, with McLennan suggesting that even if Australia are forced to repeat Super Rugby AU next year, then players from outside of the country could join the five Australian sides to bolster their talent.

“It would help solve team depth issues, the concerns [New Zealand] have, and I think a draft would be extremely promotable and exciting for the fans,” McLennan told the Sydney Morning Herald. “It would also create more content for the game.

“The draft is not a new concept, but if New Zealand are worried about team depth issues then why don’t we share some of the players around and have Kiwis playing for some of our sides.”

Already, the Western Force has called upon a number of foreign talents to help the formerly exiled squad compete with their Australian rivals.

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All Blacks Richard Kahui and Jeremy Thrush will start in the Force’s Friday night clash with the Waratahs while Henry Stowers is a Samoan representative and bench lock Johan Bardoul spent two seasons with the Chiefs.

Historically, the Rebels have also called upon international representatives from outside Australia like Danny Cipriani, Greg Sommerville, Adam Thomson and Gareth Delve.

McLennan’s proposal, which RA will shortly take to NZR, could lead to more diversity in teams across the Tasman and facilitate the creation of rugby’s equivalent of cricket’s Big Bash.

“If we’re a destination and it’s the premier professional competition in the world then it’s going to bring players out for nine to 12 weeks and then let them go,” he said.

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“This is a moment in time where we can do something completely different and it would work, and we should not waste this opportunity. Obviously, the Kiwis have to buy into it and it’s not invented by them, so they might be reticent.”

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R
RedWarrior 36 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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