Despite fears that the respective New Zealand and Australian rugby unions would again overlook the Pacific Islands for future competitions, it appears that there will in fact be some Pasifika representation in Super Rugby moving forward.
According to a report from the New Zealand Herald, the ten NZ and Australian sides will welcome a Moana Pasifika and a Fijian side into a 12-team competition for 2022.
While the current Super Rugby competition involving sides from Australasia, Africa, South America and Asia was widely considered untenable for the future, the only change that was expected for next year was the ejection of Japan’s Sunwolves.
The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rethink, however, partially due to the limitations placed on travel.
Earlier this year, New Zealand Rugby announced they would be forming their own competition and invited external parties to put forward expressions of interest.
NZR envisaged that the five Kiwi teams would be joined by a handful from Australia and/or the Pacific Islands but Rugby Australia fired back and have openly stated they would not be culling any of their current five teams.
[Source: Rugby Pass]
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