Michael Atkinson: Super Rugby Pacific Needs to Expand Its Horizons and Attract the Northern Hemisphere’s Elite Talent

Take a moment to envision two-time Rugby World Cup champion Handre Pollard sporting the sky blue of the Waratahs. Not a bad sight, is it?

Or how about the thought of rising English star Henry Pollock deciding to remain in Australia after the upcoming Lions tour, joining the Brumbies for a season or two? Just imagine the combination of him and Rob Valetini leading the ACT side past their past struggles in a Super Rugby Pacific semi-final.

Now consider the possibility of Antoine Dupont choosing to spend a couple of seasons basking on the beaches of Perth while playing for the Western Force. This would undoubtedly propel them into contention for the title.

At this moment, that’s all we in Super Rugby can do—imagine.

Meanwhile, in the northern hemisphere, such scenarios unfold every season.

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It’s an aspiration that Super Rugby should strive for: to be a destination for the top players globally.

After all, other leagues have served as a draw for Australia’s best talent.

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There have been instances in previous seasons, such as Englishman James Haskell, Welsh legend Jamie Roberts, and South Africa’s Jacques Potgieter, who each had brief spells in Super Rugby. However, such occurrences need to happen more frequently.

In 2026, another notable Super Rugby player will bid farewell to the league, welcoming new opportunities in Japan.

Ardie Savea, who was named player of the year during his inaugural season as captain of Moana Pasifika, is set to join the Kobe Steelers next year, planning to return to Moana in 2027.

Good on him; fair play to him. Careers are short, and players must seize their opportunities while they can.

Savea is not the only player heading overseas; next season will also see Super Rugby without Rieko Ioane (Leinster), Len Ikitau (Exeter), Angus Bell (Ulster), along with several other high-profile talents who are making the move internationally.

As Justin Harrison, a former Wallaby, pointed out on Stan Sport’s Inside Line, while this number of departures may not be unusual compared to previous years, it does diminish the competition’s star power.

New talents will undoubtedly rise to the occasion as they grasp their chances, and as noted by the Inside Line team, allowing players to take sabbaticals and return is preferable to losing them permanently.

However, it is crucial for the competition to strive to entice the world’s elite players.

One of the significant challenges is financial resources. It’s common knowledge that the UK, Europe, and Japan can offer more lucrative contracts. That’s the major appeal, and building up to a point where we can compete financially will take time.

However, it’s not just about the money. Players also seek the chance to explore a new part of the world, embrace a different lifestyle, and engage in an alternate style of rugby.

There’s no denying that Australia and New Zealand offer similar experiences.

If the northern hemisphere continues to lure some of our best talents, why can’t Super Rugby set its sights on attracting a few of theirs?

On the subject of the north, it’s incredibly thrilling to announce that the British and Irish Lions will play Argentina live and exclusively on Stan Sport from 4:50 am AEST on Saturday.

Following that, the famed touring team will touch down in Perth on Monday ahead of their match against the Western Force on June 28. They’re on their way.