Wallabies Ace ‘Astonished’ by Super Rugby’s Ambitious Plans for US Expansion to Outshine NRL Efforts

Wallabies icon Tim Horan has called on the organisers of Super Rugby Pacific to resist the allure of establishing a 12th team in the United States.

As it stands, Super Rugby will feature 11 teams in 2025 following the unfortunate closure of the financially troubled Melbourne Rebels last year.

The competition is currently represented by six teams from New Zealand, including Moana Pasifika, four from Australia, and the Fijian Drua.

Nonetheless, Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh has proposed the idea of establishing a team on the US west coast, with serious discussions taking place behind closed doors.

World Rugby is keen to expand the sport in the US, particularly with the men’s Rugby World Cup set to be hosted there in 2031 and the women’s tournament following in 2033.

Currently, the USA’s men’s rugby team is ranked 15th globally, while the women’s team sits at ninth.

On Stan Sport’s Inside Line, Horan expressed his reservations, stating: “I just don’t believe this is the right move for Super Rugby.” He added, “At an international level, Australia should be engaging the US team more frequently. Likewise, New Zealand should also be facing off against the US, particularly as we approach the Rugby World Cup.” 

He further suggested, “World Rugby must facilitate this to ensure the success of the ’31 World Cup. This could involve scheduling Test matches in major cities like Chicago and New York over the next four to five years.” 

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Horan concluded, “If every team is required to play just one more Test match with the backing of World Rugby, it will significantly boost not just participation, but also understanding of the sport.” 

Michael Atkinson, the host of Inside Line, resonated with Horan’s views, noting that Super Rugby is not designed to bear the responsibility of expanding the game in North America or South America. “It places an undue burden to expect a team from that time zone to join,” Atkinson stated, emphasising the potential logistical nightmare and the risk of losing fan engagement.

Atkinson offered an alternative idea, proposing an annual ‘Super Round’ in the US, akin to the popular NRL concept in Las Vegas.

The All Blacks will be playing Fiji in San Diego in 2024 and have a return clash with Ireland in Chicago this November. Furthermore, there is a significant Australian coaching presence in the US, with Stephen Hoiles managing the Los Angeles club and John Manenti overseeing San Diego.

Gordon added, “It’s crucial we enhance the game. With a World Cup on the horizon, we must have a significant presence there. I’m unsure how Major League Rugby is performing but it’s clear that interest in the sport is increasing, with rugby league also breaking into the market.” 

He concluded, “It’s essential to bolster the home international team leading up to the World Cup—perhaps introducing something innovative and fresh won’t be such a bad idea.”