Chop one Australian side, says Poidevin
Wallabies great Simon Poidevin says the Australian Rugby Union needs to make the tough decision to cut a local Super Rugby team because the current five-team model is not financially sustainable.
Poidevin, a former Wallabies captain who was also part of the 1991 World Cup-winning side, has made his feelings clear on the eve of an important ARU board meeting that will see rugby’s key stakeholders discuss the topic of whether to cut an Australian Super Rugby franchise.
The ARU is expected to come up with several options for when they meet with Sanzaar officials next month, with the topic of team numbers high on the agenda.
The five Australian teams at present have had their fair share of financial difficulties in recent years and while it is not the ARU that has the final say over the make-up of Super Rugby, they will put forward a proposal to Sanzaar.
There have been calls for the five teams to remain in the competition – notably from the Rugby Union Players’ Association and Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham – but Poidevin is convinced the time is right to chop a franchise.
‘‘The current structure of Super Rugby is sending Australian Rugby broke and something needs to be done about it urgently,’’ Poidevin said. ‘‘Sanzaar have to run a very strong financial model and so it’s not just Australia that has to make the hard decisions, it’s South Africa and New Zealand as well.
‘‘The ARU has got financial data I understand that indicates very strongly that action has to be taken. The ARU has to decide which team it has to chop.’’
Poidevin believes more local teams dilutes the talent pool and a reduction would make Australia more competitive against New Zealand sides in Super Rugby and international matches.
He also hoped there would be more trans-Tasman matches in future.
‘‘[Waratahs coach] Daryl [Gibson] makes a very good point that playing more New Zealand sides is better for spectators but also good for our players. New Zealand teams make Australian sides play rugby.’’