Former Springbok coach Jake White says dropping two South African franchises from Super Rugby is ‘a great decision’.
Sanzaar on Sunday confirmed that Super Rugby would revert to 15 teams, with two South African sides and one from Australia being axed.
The Cheetahs and Kings are the two SA franchises expected to fall out of the competition, with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers representing the country from 2018.
In his column for AllOutRugby, White supported Sanzaar and SA Rugby’s decision, saying ‘it may be the catalyst for South African rugby to lead the way again’.
White suggested rewarding the top four sides in the Currie Cup with a place in Super Rugby the next season, or having two coastal and two highveld franchises.
‘Regardless, our decision-makers mustn’t be scared to look at change if it means it’s going to help the Springboks in the long-term,’ he wrote. ‘And that’s what makes me think this change may be the first step in South African rugby taking great strides forward.
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‘I say that because we’re going to have to find a way to keep our top 160 players in the country, and make sure that they’re all taken care of, well coached and that they’re all happy with the set-up, while also making sure the sponsors are happy.
‘Maybe we need a director of rugby, someone like Rassie Erasmus, who can determine who the coaches are, balance the squads and coaching staffs, and put the various structures in place.’
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
