NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster won’t write off a Super Rugby return for the South African clubs, yet admits things have worked out well in the Republic since the 2020 split.
The Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers left Super Rugby and joined the URC, where all have since established themselves.
Speaking on DSPN with Martin Devlin, Lancaster acknowledged that the move has benefited the South Africans but NZ Rugby would not rule out exploring a future that includes them again.
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“I mean, the first thing I’ll say is in terms of South Africa coming back to Super Rugby is that they’ve bought into the URC,” Lancaster said.
“They’re committed for a period of time. I’m not sure exactly what that time frame is, but that’s not a conversation that we’re having. Certainly not at the moment.”
His comments come as the NZ Rugby considers changes to its domestic and professional competition structures.
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Lancaster said the relationship with South Africa remains important and that future competition structures should not be viewed through a narrow lens.
“Again, never say never in terms of what the future shape of competitions could look like, but South Africa are pretty bullish about how things have played out for them, and the evidence would say it’s all working pretty well.”
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
The post ‘Never say never’ to SA-Super Rugby reunion appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster won’t write off a Super Rugby return for the South African clubs, yet admits things have worked out well in the Republic since the 2020 split.
The post ‘Never say never’ to SA-Super Rugby reunion appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
