New Format Plan For Super Rugby

Posted by in Rugby

Super Rugby and Western Force’s future is being debated about though the Western Force has been dispelling all doubts.


This club based out of Perth released a media statement stating that an investigation was being conducted on different issues that had arisen that aimed at removing discrepancies which existed among the Australian franchises. Their club has not had any contact from SANZAAR which has been investigating the matter or from the Australian Rugby Union.

There is a rumor in the Australian rugby scene that Super Rugby competition for the next year might see this team axed as per a revised structure that is being planned to be implemented by SANZAAR. The side forms part of the prevailing eighteen team format of Super Rugby. However the changes being planned will keep the competition between 15 teams. It is believed that SANZAAR will bring about changes only if South Africa also plans to cut two out of their six teams. The decision will be made by April 6th.

The Southern Kings look vulnerable as they will only have the Lions or the Cheetahs. Hence a lot of speculation goes on about the five possible clubs that might suffer elimination. Among the teams that are considered safe are Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs. Teams like the Force and Melbourne Rebels are likely to be fighting for survival along with Brumbies from Canberra.

There are several reasons of looking at these teams, primarily being performance related. Western Force has not been able to make it to the finals in the eleven seasons they have played. As they launched a new campaign to gain shareholder for the club they issued the statement to convince interested parties that they are being considered to be removed if the new structure comes into effect. It remains to be seen whether shareholders would be convinced.