Japan team among plans for Oz comp

THE return of Japan’s Sunwolves is part of a bold plan by Rugby Australia for a Super Rugby tournament in 2021 without New Zealand.

As local and Kiwi officials argue over how many Australian teams should feature in a proposed trans-Tasman tournament, RA has moved to create its own model with at least eight teams.

The Australian Super Rugby proposal would include the existing five teams, plus the Sunwolves, Fijian Drua, and an Argentinian team – all based in Australia due to anticipated ongoing COVID restrictions.

New Zealand Rugby last weekend outlined its plans for Super Rugby, saying Australian teams could “express interest” in a tournament featuring “eight to 10” teams, including the existing five Kiwi sides and potentially a Pasifika team based in south Auckland.

The Kiwis originally proposed for Australia to cut back to two teams, while this updated plan could accommodate up to four Australian teams.

However, RA is adamant it will retain its five teams – Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels, and Western Force.

If all five won’t be accepted into the Kiwi-planned transTasman tournament, it’s expected RA will go it alone.

Details of the Australianled competition can now be revealed, and would feature the fully fledged return of two franchises axed from Super Rugby in recent years – the Force and Sunwolves.

The Sunwolves played their last season earlier this year before the coronavirus cancelled Super Rugby in March.

Their fate had already been sealed after Japan Rugby Football Union failed to guarantee the money needed for the Tokyo side to continue, and SANZAAR refused to cover the costs, and it was announced last year that 2020 would be their final season.

However, Australia is keen to maintain ties with Japan and it’s understood they would be willing to assist in funding for the Sunwolves.