S18 on its way

[dru]

More than that Lindommer.

Southern Kings franchise in theory draws from three provincial unions: Easterm Provinces RU (EP Kings); Border RU (Border Bulldogs): South West Districts RU (SWD Eagles). Border failed commercially and is under SARU management since 2014. EP Kings abandoned to liquidation in 2016. SARU advise that the franchise is not impacted as there is no formal relationship with the provinces and that the amateur game may be impacted. Where does this leave SWDRU? And transformation (development of black rugby)?

Franchise player selections have been based on being 4 years ahead of their transformation plan (black quota) which seems inconsistent with building the best available talent. Especially if little is happening for development of amateur rugby in the "home nation" grass roots which exist in these areas.

The problem is not just short term, and its not just the franchise, but runs deep. SARU were well aware of the situation as they insisted on the franchise.

PS: you'd have to say that NZRU and ARU also would have known.

 

[Quick Hands]

From a travel perspective it would actually make more sense for the Force to play in one of the SAF conferences and Japan to play in the Australian one.

I read somewhere that the Force have one of the worst travel itineraries in super rugby as they are constantly going backwards and forwards to the east coast of Australia and NZ.

Japan is bascially in the same time zone as the east coast of Australia.