South Africa’s impact on European rugby interest has been applauded, but the sport across the southern hemisphere has shown renewed growth, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane discusses the boost South Africa’s participation in the Vodacom URC has had on broadcast audiences, while New Zealand’s Super Rugby Pacific has also seen a resurgence in appeal.
He critiques SA’s often insular approach to rugby, noting that local fans have historically tuned into Super Rugby matches involving only South African teams.
Keohane highlights his own interest in Super Rugby Pacific, particularly due to the new head coaches for the All Blacks and Wallabies, Scott Robertson and Joe Schmidt, respectively.
Keohane praises the Brumbies as Australia’s top team and attributes New Zealand’s increased viewership to the resurgence of the Hurricanes and Blues and the unexpected decline of the Crusaders.
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He commends Vern Cotter’s transformation of the Blues and foresees the All Blacks becoming more consistent under Robertson. Keohane also notes the Springboks’ challenges in New Zealand and Australia, while emphasising the evolving dynamics and growing excitement for the 2024 Rugby Championship.
“South Africa’s presence in the United Rugby Championship has been lauded as the driver behind a massive broadcast audience and on the other side of the world, down in New Zealand, Super Rugby Pacific this season has experienced a revival in audience interest,” Keohane writes.
“There has been tremendous player growth in New Zealand and Australia’s professional game by way of performance. The All Blacks will be more formidable under Robertson than was the case with his predecessor Ian Foster.
“Schmidt will also add steel and intelligence to the Wallabies. It is going to make for a compelling Rugby Championship.
“The interest down south must not be confined to New Zealand because the Springboks have consistently struggled to beat the Wallabies in Australia.”
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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South Africa’s impact on European rugby interest has been applauded, but the sport across the southern hemisphere has shown renewed growth, writes MARK KEOHANE.
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