Super Rugby’s US plan hits roadblock, Waratahs refreshing outlook

Super Rugby officials are flirting with a bold plan to expand to the United States, but the boss has had his say on that idea, and where the competition’s priorities really must be.

EXPANSION of Super Rugby is at least three years away, and while officials are flirting with the idea of introducing a team from the United States, it’s highly unlikely.

The American market is a fascinating lure, but the reality of establishing a new team there, the travel involved, and lack of player depth make it an unrealistic proposition in the short term.

The US and Japan are countries that have been explored for possible expansion teams, but they’re brainstorming ideas and nothing has been formally explored.

Super Rugby Pacific chief executive, Jack Mesley, said the focus is on shoring up the competition as it exists now with 11 teams.

“We’re in a period of consolidation and strengthening our position, that’s going to be the focus for the next couple of years,” Mesley told Rugby Confidential.

“Expansion takes a long time, there is a lot involved in creating a new franchise and making sure they are set up for success.

“We have started to think about the long term, but we are nowhere near having a brief as to what that looks like. A team from another region is a long way away.

“When we consider expansion, it’s not ‘What will the 12th team be?’ It’s not the number of teams, but how we strengthen and improve the competition, how do we ensure there is revenue growth and an enhanced experience for the audience.”

The US won’t be in the top tier of World Series next season. Picture: AAP Image/Craig Golding

AMERICANS RUSTLED

While the 15-a-side is stagnant in the US, North American Sevens officials are fuming over changes to the World Series Sevens, which they fear will destroy the rising popularity of the abbreviated game.

As first revealed by this column, World Rugby is reducing the numbers in the top tier of the men’s and women’s leagues from 12 to eight sides from next season.

While the US and Canada both made the cut for the women, both North American giants missed being involved in the men’s elite league.

With Los Angeles hosting the next Olympics in 2028 off the back of the stunning success of 7s at last year’s Paris Games, former US men’s coach Mike Friday unloaded on World Rugby’s decision, saying: “The gap will just get wider… all so the select Tier 1 unions can invest less in 7s and still remain at the Top 7s table. Shame on you World Rugby. The format isn’t the issue, it’s your event strategy and 7s leadership who are not fit for purpose.

“How about WR stops trying to be an events business before killing the 7s completely? Do the right thing: step aside and just be the governing body.”

MAHER MOST WANTED

Rugby superstar Ilona Maher. Picture: Instagram

STILL on the American theme, the world’s highest profile rugby player is in Australia and making waves in the nation’s capital.

US women’s star Ilona Maher, with a massive social media following including five million on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok, arrived in Canberra on Wednesday in preparation for their game against the Wallaroos at GIO Stadium on Saturday week (May 17).

Media requests have been flowing thick and fast for the popular Olympian, who has championed body positivity and been featured in Sports Illustrated magazine and competed in Dancing With The Stars.

WALLABY BACKS COACH PLAN

Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

WALLABIES and Reds star Fraser McReight has thrown his support behind the elongated coaching transition from Joe Schmidt to Les Kiss next year, saying it provides players with the stability needed to succeed.

While many have questioned the delayed takeover – with Kiss to succeed Schmidt next July, just 15 months out from the 2027 World Cup – McReight believes their similar styles will make it an easy adjustment.

“There are a lot of opinions on it, what Les has done for us at the Reds is really great, he has opened us up on how to expand and play, we now know what he’s like, and Joe is very similar,” McReight told us.

“I think it’s smart, it has been 24 years since there was a transition like this (when Rod Macqueen handed over to Eddie Jones after the 2001 Lions series). Joe gets another 18 Tests.

“It’s smart to have some plan in place, instead of chopping and changing plans for players who have to build again.”

McReight has played under Kiss at Queensland since last year and has flourished under his club coach and at national level with Schmidt.

The 26-year-old backrower is now the premier No.7 in Australia and the man posing the biggest threat to the Waratahs’ ball in the interstate grudge match on Friday at Allianz Stadium.

DEAL IMMINENT

Phil Waugh pictured at the Nine Studios in North Sydney. Picture: Tim Hunter

WE revealed weeks ago that the deal between Nine/Stan Sports and 2027 Rugby World Cup organisers was close to sign-off, and now it’s done.

Expect confirmation early next week. While Nine got the local rights by negotiating with Rugby Australia for a deal through to 2030, they had to do a separate deal with World Rugby for the major tournament to be held in Australia in two years.

ITOJE HISTORY

Maro Itoje. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

MARO Itoje will become the first English captain of the British & Irish Lions since Martin Johnson led the touring team to Australia in 2001.

Itoje, the towering lock who took over the England captaincy during this year’s Six Nations, was the clear choice after Ireland skipper Caelen Doris was ruled out of the tour with injury.

Former Lion Matt Dawson hailed Itoje’s leadership.

“Maro has blossomed beautifully this season for England,” Dawson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He has gone from being a player who was a certainty to be in the team, but was a bit short of the form of his early 20s and a little bit too ill-disciplined, to being right in the groove.

“The captaincy has given him a new lease of life and he is ready to step into the role for the Lions.”

NZ RUGBY LOSS

NEW ZEALAND Rugby posted a $19.5 million ($18 million) loss, despite generating a record $285 million in revenue.

They blamed much of the loss on the foreign exchange market, but a full picture of their health will become clear when they finalise their broadcast deal.

We keep hearing they’ll get a radical cut, upwards of $60 million, on their new deal. Any loss would be shared with Rugby Australia under their joint-venture agreement.

FORCE SHARE PLAN? NOT A CHANCE

The Western Force have got some new neighbours. Picture: Tim Hunter

IN the same week the NRL officially confirmed a new team in Perth to enter the competition in two years, the Western Force celebrated their 20-year anniversary.

NRL boss Peter V’landys curiously suggested the new Bears outfit could share players with the Force, but that is never going to happen. League may poach one or two rugby players out west, but the bulk of new players will have to come from the east coast or New Zealand.

West Australian Premier Roger Cook was instrumental in getting the Bears deal done with V’Landys, but he’s also promised RA that the centre of excellence to be built will be shared by both the Bears and Force, a win for rugby in Perth.

Up to 60 past players from the Force will be in attendance against the Brumbies on Saturday at HBF Park.

The Force were founded in 2005 and played the Brumbies in their first game in round one of 2006 in front of 37,037 supporters at Subiaco Oval.

HATS OFF TO TAHS BOSS

Not happy Dan. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Hats off to Dan McKellar for calling things as he sees them whenever the Waratahs play like rubbish.

At a time when too many coaches sound like politicians because they fear upsetting anyone, McKellar just rips in and says what everyone else is thinking.

Unbeaten at home this season but yet to win a single game on the road, McKellar was unapologetic after reading the riot act after last week’s loss to the Brumbies.

“The players needed to know that, and they were pretty disappointed as well,” he said.

“But the beauty of this game is, you get the opportunity to respond pretty quickly.”

As Super Rugby clashes go, they don’t get much bigger than Friday’s derby against Queensland at Allianz Stadium with McKellar revving up his troops saying if they’re not motivated by facing the Reds, they “should change occupations.”

Originally published as Super Rugby’s US plan hits roadblock, Waratahs refreshing outlook