Mitchell bags growth of Super Rugby
John Mitchell believes the rationalisation of rugby under the Covid-19 crisis could benefit the game, citing the ongoing struggles of Super Rugby.
Mitchell, the former All Blacks and United States coach and now defence coach with England, has vast experience including Super Rugby gigs in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
He feels the game expanded beyond its true worth during recent boom years and predicts that could change as the sport eyes the financial realities of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
‘‘I’d like to probably see less markets . . . the example I give you is Super Rugby,’’ Mitchell told international rugby journalists in a conference call.
‘‘When it first started it was 12 teams,
I think I even played in the first Super 10 but it was probably at its best when it was 12 teams and the best players were playing.
‘‘They obviously wanted to create a style of rugby that suited the southern hemisphere from an athletic point of view.
‘‘Ultimately, because they’ve spread that all round the world, it’s in some ways spread players all round the world, creating greater costs.
‘‘It’s probably lost its value in some ways because people want to watch the best players playing in their competition.’’
Mitchell felt there were too many clubs and markets where players could earn a salary and the game was living beyond its means in some areas.
‘‘Japan has expanded, the second division in France has also. There’s a number of markets where players can derive an income and the thing is that ultimately there are so many players that can call themselves ‘professional’ I guess in position and title, but not necessarily in action,’’ Mitchell said.
But he felt there would always be reward for the top tier of talent and the elite players shouldn’t fear for their future as the game enters fragile territory with national unions struggling and rich competitions like France’s Top 14 questioning their viability.
‘‘Clearly, the players will probably still be the critical [thing], the biggest value but I’m sure it’s going to contract a lot more which in the end is going to create greater professionalism and more competition for places, which is healthy for the game as well.’’