'They're very keen': Sunwolves not dead yet, idea of Australian rugby 'bubble' still an option
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The Sunwolves’ four-and-a-half-year stint in Super Rugby may not come to an end just yet as Australian rugby administrators consider an initial domestic six-team competition in place of Super Rugby that could result in players going into a last-resort ‘bubble’ if absolutely necessary, writes The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Japanese-based side have recorded just 9 wins from 68 games throughout their Super Rugby history, with the competition taking a pause seven rounds into the season following the Coronavirus pandemic.
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Rugby Australia’s general manager of professional services, Ben Whitaker, and Australian Super Rugby club chief executives, other RA officials and the Rugby Union Players Association, have been analysing a number of drafted models that fluctuate from kick-offs as early as May and as late as November, while also taking into account what the international season could entail.
“I wouldn’t have thought we’re that different [to other codes],” Whitaker told the Herald. “It might be a bit different how we’re communicating it.
“We’re ready to go once the restrictions for sport, but more importantly the community, are able to be lessened. Like all sports, we’ve got direct connections in through government to make sure we’re on top of the latest information.
“We’re really well positioned to deliver Super Rugby and Test-match footy as soon as we can start playing. We’re updating our modelling that makes us as as agile as possible.”
A five-team competition, with the four Super Rugby sides plus the Western Force was scrapped late last month due to escalating restrictions, and Whitaker has revealed the Sunwolves, who were set to be cut from Super Rugby at the end of this season, have flagged interest in being involved.
Six teams would provide three games a weekend and more content.
“The modelling is inclusive of them and they’re very keen to participate if and when they can,” Whitaker said. “We’ve engaged with the Western Force as well to be part of it. That’s how six teams would come together quite quickly.
“If it was possible, you can see isolation periods coming into play. If that wasn’t an option … we’d move to another model.”
A lot will depend on the international calendar, with travel restrictions potentially ruining plans for Test matches in 2020, which would be a disaster for not only RA but other unions around the globe.
“Our No.1 goal is to deliver both levels of footy,” Whitaker said. “The inability to travel internationally is worst case scenario but we have the model for that. We’re very hopeful we don’t have to go down that path.”
“Our advice is that would be very difficult to implement immediately,” Whitaker continued. “It doesn’t mean it’s not an option in the future if it enables rugby to get up and running. The health and safety of our participants and community must be absolutely guaranteed.”
Full story via Sydney Morning Herald
