Australian players' union sets up petition amid Super Rugby concerns

The Australian Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) on Thursday launched a petition in an attempt to prevent Super Rugby chiefs from reducing the number of Australian teams in the competition.

Doubts over which sides will play in Super Rugby remain after governing body SANZAAR met in London this month to discuss changes to the structure.

It has been reported that up to three teams could be cut at the end of the season and RUPA has made its stance clear, setting up a petition in a bid to keep the five Australian franchises going.

RUPA stated on its website: "Reducing our professional franchises drastically weakens the economic potential of the game, decreases elite playing and coaching opportunities for aspiring talent, and signals a game in retreat in the battle for the hearts and minds of fans. Such a decision will cause permanent damage and will affect community rugby as much as the professional game.

We simply cannot attempt to shrink our way to success; we are #StrongerAsFive. Find out more + sign the petition: https://t.co/8R35ipCZvR pic.twitter.com/3O9HALiQXr

— RUPA (@RugbyPlayersAus) March 30, 2017

"We have five Super Rugby teams all eager to participate in the competition and who have committed to being commercially viable.

"Whether it's 18 [teams], 16 or 15, there are competition models which support five Australian teams. But the ARU [Australian Rugby Union] may decide that one team won't be given the chance to continue. 

"Having signed Australian Rugby up to the current Super Rugby competition which has reduced local content, diluted local derby tribalism and disrespected fans with its lack of integrity, we need to protect our future - a Trans-Tasman or Australasian competition.  

"We must protect our teams first."