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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."
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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