Rugby: Japan’s Sunwolves won’t compete in Super Rugby AU

The Sunwolves of Japan have officially been scratched from the list of teams to contest the Super Rugby AU competition.

Sunwolves' Rudy Paige is tackled during the Super Rugby match between Japan's Sunwolves and New Zealand's Crusaders in March. Picture: AFP

The Sunwolves of Japan have officially been scratched from the list of teams to contest the proposed Super Rugby AU competition, expected to start on July 3.

The COVID-19 travel restrictions meant that even if the Tokyo-based Sunwolves were allowed to enter Australia – which was by no means certain – they would have been forced to undergo a 14-day isolation period in a hotel before they were allowed to train. And then they would have needed a permanent base during the 12-week duration of the competition. In the end, the difficulties proved insurmountable.

“There are significant challenges facing the Sunwolves’ participation in this modified competition model which Rugby Australia, SANZAAR and the Sunwolves have been attempting to work through,” Rugby Australia’s interim CEO Rob Clarke said today.

“However, the reality is, given the time frame available the team’s preparation for the competition would be severely compromised.

“All parties agree that despite our collective efforts and desire to see the Sunwolves take part in the competition, under the current circumstances their participation will not be feasible. While unfortunate, this decision delivers the certainty that all stakeholders require at this point in time.

“We all agree that this is not the way we wanted or believed that the 2020 Super Rugby season would play out when it kicked off back in late January, the impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and unforeseen.”

The decision may well mean the end of the line for the Japanese club which, even before the global pandemic, had been cut from Super Rugby beyond this season.

Certainly it is possible that the club might still figure in whatever form Super Rugby takes in Australia next year but, at present, the format of the 2021 competition is totally up in the air.

Meanwhile, the competition is expected to proceed just with the four Australian Super Rugby sides – Brumbies, Melbourne Rebels, Reds and Waratahs – along with the Western Force, The first match has been set down between the Brumbies and Rebels in Canberra on July 3.

The competition is still dependent on Rugby Australia convincing Fox Sports to broadcast the 12 weeks of matches.