1
Ex-Wallaby says it would be 'crazy' not to welcome a Japanese team into revamped Super Rugby
By AAP
Former Wallabies forward Pek Cowan says it would be "crazy" not to consider having a Japanese team in a revamped Australian Super Rugby competition.
If a Trans-Tasman competition featuring Australian and New Zealand sides fails to get off the ground for 2021, Rugby Australia could launch its own eight-team competition.
That would feature the five current Australian sides, as well as teams from Japan, Argentina, and Fiji.
It's reported the Japanese-based Sunwolves, who are set to be booted out of Super Rugby at the end of 2020, are in RA's sights.
Cowan, who has been playing with Japanese outfit Shimizu Blue Sharks since 2017, has seen first-hand the rapid growth of the sport in the country.
The 34-year-old feels a Japanese side would be a good fit for any new competition.
"I think it's definitely something that needs to be discussed seriously," Cowan said.
"Japanese rugby in general has really taken a step forward, especially after the World Cup.
"The excitement around the game, the excitement around the Sunwolves and the Japanese national team - it's definitely something that's grown immensely since I arrived there in 2017.
"You'd be crazy to think that if you had that opportunity, why wouldn't you utilise that?
"But at the same time, I guess it needs to work for everyone."
Cowan has been granted short-term leave from the Sharks to play for the Force in Super Rugby AU.
The veteran prop only started training with the Force in recent days after serving his two-week quarantine period, and is unlikely to play in Saturday's 'home' clash with the Brumbies at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
The Force will be without former Wallaby Greg Holmes, who broke his thumb in last week's 31-24 loss to the Reds.
Cowan has been impressed by the Force's first two displays, especially considering they were widely tipped to be easy beats.
"We turned a lot of heads, especially last week against the Reds," Cowan said.
"We were able to score points. Our set piece was strong."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
3
Tyrone Green decision has huge bearing on his international future
4
Five legends to be inducted into World Rugby Hall of Fame
5
Latest Comments
Agreed. As a Saffa I have much respect for the ABs. I also have to say given any option I would ONLY prefer to lose to ABs. To lose to England is probably the most embarrassing think to happen to either of us.
There was a time when both of us lost to England and we both hated it. Thankfully those days are behind us. Kudos to you guys, kudos to ABs. But dear old BS seems to hate us Boks. No idea why.
Go to commentsI got the sense that holding him to it was kickback from SB and the rfu smarting at being jilted quite so soon, so unexpectedly and so publicly.
Seem to remember that they spoke to Gustard before appointing Joe and you really have to think he would have come in at a higher level?
Go to comments