A matter of time...really

[oldBastard]

Mark Reason: South Africa move to Europe would bankrupt New Zealand Rugby

OPINION: Andy Marinos called recent reports that South Africa was thinking of leaving Super Rugby for the gold mines of Europe "unsubstantiated speculation and simply wrong". This is feverishly wishful thinking from the chief executive of Sanzaar. The reports are full of substance and make absolutely terrifying reading for New Zealand Rugby.

If South Africa do decide to leave but for a skeleton team or two in Super Rugby, then the competition's revenue streams will plummet. Such a fall would be enough to bankrupt NZR by 2023. At their current rate of spending, New Zealand Rugby need a significant rise in income from their next Super Rugby television contract just to break even.

Steve Tew said in March, "Post 2020 we've got a deficit projected which we can't live with. That means we either change the expenditure model or find ways to generate more money. We have to diversify revenue streams but also work very hard to ensure the next broadcast negotiations are fruitful."

But if South Africa decamp to Europe the next broadcast deal will rot away in the sun of wishful thinking. There will not be anything like enough decent fruit to feed New Zealand and Australia.

Albeit an opinion piece, I do believe it's a matter of time before SA Rugby leave SupeRugby in total. This piece is more on what the financial implications are to NZ Rugby if/when SA Rugby leaves SupeRugby, but this piece struck the most to me. Knowing Oom Kevin and being shrewd business man, I will take from note from this quote in bold and underlined.

Roux pointed out late last year that South Africa had 373 players playing in European club competitions in the 2016-17 season. It has reached the literal point of, if you can't beat them, join them. Roux even posited two national teams, one of European-based players for the November international window, one of South African based players for the June window and Rugby Championship.

So I am not sure why Andy Marinos does not think that South Africa is considering jumping ship. Roux's comments were endorsed by Kevin de Klerk, the head of the Lions, who said, "Maybe ultimately, the millions of pounds on offer in Europe will influence the decision. When this broadcasting deal comes to an end, there's going to need to be some close negotiations with Sanzaar. From my point of view, I would like to see South Africa remain in Super Rugby, but the European currency is making it difficult."

NZR is terrified of what South Africa might do. Their fiercest rivals have the option of bankrupting them

As much as we would like to play top rugby against NZ teams, the Euro & Stirling will ultimately dictate that we will play in Europe. Maybe it's a good thing, spurring the rivalry against the old foes again, if financial constraints haven't killed rugby in NZ.

Read the full article here

 

[ponder]

It's a known fact that NZ would be fscked as most of their money comes from the super rugby franchise which originates mostly from supersport.

 

[Fulcrum29]

It's a known fact that NZ would be fscked as most of their money comes from the super rugby franchise which originates mostly from supersport.

Broadcasting rights, Fox Sports has been upping it lately. There is a reason SANZAAR is trying to exploit the Asian market with the Kiwis and Aussies backing this move.

 

[ponder]

Broadcasting rights, Fox Sports has been upping it lately. There is a reason SANZAAR is trying to exploit the Asian market with the Kiwis and Aussies backing this move.

The whole thing has gone stale. These days I find things like varsity cup, craven week etc much more enjoyable to watch...

 

[oldBastard]

Broadcasting rights, Fox Sports has been upping it lately. There is a reason SANZAAR is trying to exploit the Asian market with the Kiwis and Aussies backing this move.

The Aussies can only wack a beaten sheep so much. Rugby in Aus is in dire need of a local revamp.

 

[oldBastard]

The whole thing has gone stale. These days I find things like varsity cup, craven week etc much more enjoyable to watch...

Agreed, only watching the Lions games and that also is like, meh.

Been watching MLR, the inauguration of the American league and I am really impressed, really enjoying it.

 

[Ninja'd]

The Aussies can only wack a beaten sheep so much. Rugby in Aus is in dire need of a local revamp.

I may be wrong on this but isn't rugby league and Aussies rules more popular than rugby union there?

 

[oldBastard]

I may be wrong on this but isn't rugby league and Aussies rules more popular than rugby union there?

And cricket, but yea Union is struggling big time at the moment.

 

[Pitbull]

South Africa will join a Northern hemisphere tournament. Money is more and the time difference is slight. It's been building for years. I'm pretty sure the end of Super Rugby is on the Horizon.