Super Rugby Nations Mulling Cutting Competition Back To 14 Teams

The Super Rugby nations are "considering cutting the competition back to 14 teams and doing away with the unpopular conference system" from '21, according to Georgina Robinson of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Not for the first time, Japan's Sunwolves are "in the firing line" as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina battle to agree on a format that suits all unions. But with World League discussions "providing a fascinating distraction," time is running out to reach a consensus. The 14-team competition was "one of a small handful of models discussed" by the SANZAAR unions after the World Rugby meetings in Dublin three weeks ago. The format would "do away with the conference system, drop one team and implement a variation on an all-play-all model, or round robin." The Sunwolves appear to be the team "most at risk," unless another South African team follows in the footsteps of the Cheetahs and Kings and joins the Pro14 (SMH, 12/2).