Super Rugby "will explore having two on-field referees," similar to the National Rugby League, as rugby union looks at options to make the game more attractive, according to Chris Dutton of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The Australian Rugby Union "is putting together strategy groups to come up with a battle plan against rival football codes rugby league and Australian rules." The groups "will look at making the game more attractive for fans, players and broadcasters, with improved refereeing high on the agenda." The NRL revamped its refereeing structure in '09, "adding an extra on-field official to try to make the game more free-flowing." Any move to have two referees in Super Rugby "would require unanimous agreement by officials in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa." Another hurdle is that northern hemisphere unions "would be unlikely to adopt a similar refereeing overhaul." Rugby "is the primary football code in New Zealand and South Africa," but Australian teams face significant competition from the NRL, Australian Football League and A-League. The National Rugby Championship, the third-tier competition in its second year, "could become the testing ground for experimental law variations and refereeing changes." Super Rugby's TV ratings were down 27% in the first nine rounds, while attendances dropped 9% (SMH, 5/17).
