NRC super for Fiji
Pacific Island nation’s stepping stone to big time
THE first steps toward creating a Pacific Island Super Rugby team could be taken via the NRC, with confirmation expected today that Fiji will enter the domestic Australian tournament.
The nine-team competition will kick off on September 2, and Fiji are set to play their first match at Ballymore against Brisbane City.
It’s believed Fiji will host their first NRC game in Round 3 in Sigatoka, against NSW Country Eagles.
With uncertainty surrounding the future format of Super Rugby, momentum seems to
be gaining for the Pacific Islands to finally have a team in the tournament by 2021.
For that to eventuate, there needs to be evidence that island nations can successfully sustain competitive teams and host matches at quality stadiums over the next three years.
Fiji is being given the opportunity to do just that by joining the NRC.
The nation hosted a Super Rugby game earlier this year, while Samoa hosted another.
The 18-team Super Rugby format is clearly not working, with television audiences and live attendees falling rapidly, leading SANZAAR to agree to cut the competition back to 15 teams from 2018.
A Pacific Island team would be able to harness the massive support of Super Rugby from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
Intriguingly, Fiji have qualified for the 2019 World Cup and will be in the Wallabies’ pool. There is the prospect the Australian system will help develop players who could ultimately hurt Australia’s chances at the World Cup in Japan, but organisers see the addition of the side as a valuable investment for the future.
The NRC has produced Wallabies including Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge, Rory Arnold and Joe Powell.
Defending champions Perth Spirit will be confirmed starters for this year’s NRC, despite the prospect of the ARU axing the Western Force from Super Rugby in August.