Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has urged Sanzaar to scrap the Super Rugby conference format.
The 15-team competition, which was cut down from 18 at the end of last season, groups teams into New Zealand, South African and Australian conferences.
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It has attracted criticism for being too complex and New Zealand officials have also raised concerns about the number of Kiwi derbies, which they say rival Test matches in intensity and take a toll on players.
‘I will only echo what most coaches are saying,’ Gibson said after the Waratahs’ semi-final loss in Johannesburg. ‘We haven’t got the competition right in terms of its format and we need to do something to make it more exciting for all countries that are participating in Super Rugby.
‘Going back to a round-robin format where everyone plays each other is certainly one way we can achieve that.’
New South Wales Rugby chief executive Andrew Hore last week implored Sanzaar to ‘keep it simple’.
‘Our first responsibility is to create a wonderful competition that connects our rugby people with the international game,’ he told reporters.
‘Don’t waste this opportunity, don’t let it get caught up in higher political issues. Just try to keep it simple, and try to make it the best competition we can.’
Sanzaar is currently undertaking a review of the competition to determine its future up until 2030. This could involve a possible expansion and exploring new markets that could be key for TV revenue.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
