The Melbourne Rebels have unfortunately folded, reducing the number of teams in the Super Rugby Pacific and leaving Australia without representation in the Grand Final once again. It’s evident that the Kiwi teams are dominating Super Rugby, and while that is commendable, there is a saying that sometimes winning can lead to losing, and losing can lead to winning. The reality is that when comparing NRL to Super Rugby Pacific, there is no competition.
The NRL has a significant advantage in the Australian market with a population of 26 million, which is shared with the AFL, overshadowing New Zealand’s population of five million. The NRL also has a massive broadcast agreement, something that Super Rugby Pacific lacks. Both the NRL and New Zealand Rugby have outperformed Rugby Union in Australia in different aspects. However, New Zealand Rugby may have overlooked a looming threat in the form of the NRL.
New Zealand Rugby is currently in a heavyweight title fight, not against their traditional rivals in Australian Rugby, but against the NRL, which is making strides to capture the Kiwi fan base, player pool, and financial market. There is a possibility of another NRL expansion team being introduced in New Zealand. While the competition is tough, New Zealand Rugby has an ace up its sleeve with the Australian-hosted 2027 Rugby World Cup.
To ensure maximum Australian interest in Super Rugby leading up to the World Cup, a strategic move is proposed. The top two ranked Australian teams will not participate in the Super Rugby Pacific final series. Instead, they will compete in a State of Origin-style best-of-three series to determine the Australian Super Rugby Champion. The winner will be awarded the Stephen Larkham trophy. This format ensures fierce competition and gives all teams a chance to shine.
The Australian Super Rugby Champion will then face off against the Super Rugby Pacific Champion in the Australian-hosted Super Rugby Superbowl, creating an annual signature event that showcases the best of both competitions. This initiative not only builds momentum for the World Cup but also reignites local support, fosters a sibling rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, and provides an economic boost to the host city.
While there may be logistical challenges and concerns about fairness to other teams, the proposed format aims to revitalize the spirit of Australian rugby and create new legends and memories. It’s a call to action for all rugby lovers in Australia and New Zealand to push for a system that gives their teams a fighting chance and brings the game back to the people. By embracing this new era of Rugby, fans can support the future of their teams and ensure the longevity of the sport. Let’s make it happen for the love of the game and the fans who have always supported it.