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'We'd like to leave a legacy': Sunwolves respond to Rugby Australia's proposed domestic competition

(Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

The Sunwolves have confirmed they have entered discussions with Rugby Australia about joining the proposed new domestic competition set to kick off in July.

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Australia’s governing body have been planning a revamped six-team competition following the indefinite suspension of Super Rugby in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The involved teams include the nation’s four Super Rugby sides – the Brumbies, Reds, Waratahs and Rebels – as well as the Western Force, who were axed from the SANZAAR competition in 2017, and the Japan-based Sunwolves.

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While the resumption of Super Rugby remains implausible due to international travel restrictions, there is optimism that the Sunwolves, who primarily play out of Tokyo, will be able to take part in the Australian competition.

Their participation would serve as a dignified send off after it was announced last year that 2020 would be their final season in Super Rugby as the competition looks to revert back to a 14-team, round-robin format from next year onwards.

Sunwolves chief executive Yuji Watase told Reuters on Tuesday that their induction into an Australian competition would be warmly welcomed as they look to leave a lasting impression on the league they first joined as an expansion side back in 2016.

“Yes, we’ve been discussing with Rugby Australia about restarting the competition and they’ve been helping us to proceed with our involvement,” Watase said.

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“This is to be the last season, and we definitely would like to leave a legacy.”

Watase added that despite their potential involvement in the Australian competition, he doesn’t expect that to result in his franchise being invited back into Super Rugby once it continues as normal next season.

He said that SANZAAR would have the final say on their involvement in the southern hemisphere competition, which is different to the Australian league as that will be organised and run by Rugby Australia.

Watase’s comments a day after it was revealed that the Western Force were yet to receive an invitation to play in the competition, despite their widely reported involvement.

“The Western Force has not to date received a formal invitation to participate in the proposed 2020 Australian domestic competition,” Global Rapid Rugby chief executive Mark Evans said in a statement.

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“There may be some interest on our part, but to suggest the Western Force has agreed to participate is inaccurate.

“Until an invitation, complete with full competition details and arrangements, is forthcoming and has been agreed to, the Force will continue to review a range of playing options for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.”

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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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