Australian Rugby Union GM Rob Clarke "can see the day" when the U.S. will enter the Super Rugby competition, describing the country as a "fascinating market" for the game, according to Bret Harris of THE AUSTRALIAN. Clarke has just returned from the U.S. after attending Australia’s win against the U.S. Clarke said, "U.S. see themselves as a rugby nation on the move and would like to be engaged in more significant competitions and be taken more seriously and hence why they are inviting the likes of the Wallabies and the All Blacks to play Test matches over there. There is a lot of private money that is interested in rugby in the U.S. That is a model (private ownership of teams) that is very successful in the U.S. sporting landscape. ... I wouldn’t rule anything out, not that there is anything on the table on that front now, but I do think it is a very interesting market for our global game to be exploring." Clarke said that the ARU "was pleased" with the Wallabies’ Test in Chicago, which involved a "significant" six-figure appearance fee, believed to be worth A$500,000 ($353,000). Clarke: "USA Rugby were very happy with the outcome as well. ... There is no doubt there is momentum behind rugby in the U.S. Sevens is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. right now. Their two sevens teams, men and women, are already qualified for the Olympics and both have a very good chance of getting a medal" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 9/11).
JAPAN 'DOOMED': In Sydney, Payten & Pandaram wrote Japan's "hopes of making it to the starting line of Super Rugby next year still appear doomed," and its downfall may see the Southern Kings withdraw from the expanded competition as well. Japan’s new franchise "struggled to get off the ground this year due to an inability to sign players, and a lack of co-operation from the wealthy Top League clubs." With Eddie Jones moving on, the Japanese side "is struggling to appoint a coach and several Australian players have turned down approaches as well." Sources said that SANZAR taking back the Super Rugby license from Japan "is a matter of when, not if." They "may get another chance" to enter in '17. It "is understood the Southern Kings are also struggling to put together a competitive team and SARU are concerned they don’t have the depth to field a sixth team" (
DAILY TELEGRAPH, 9/10).
