Sunwolves CEO Yuji Watase was inevitably asked about his team being axed
Super Rugby's decision to axe the Sunwolves after the 2020 season will have a detrimental effect on Asian rugby, according to the franchise's chief executive.
On Friday, SANZAAR announced – after a substantial review – that the Japanese side would not feature from 2021 when the competition will be reduced to 14 teams.
The Sunwolves only joined Super Rugby in 2016 and have won seven of their matches in that time, their best return coming last season when they recorded three victories.
Despite their improvements, SANZAAR are keen to revamp Super Rugby going forward, but Sunwolves CEO Yuji Watase is disappointed by the decision.
"It is obvious that we have the responsibility to expand rugby in Asia as a kind of leader in Asian rugby," he told reporters after Saturday's 37-24 defeat to the Lions.
"It is clear that this [decision] is going to [do] quite a kind of damage, in terms of promotion of rugby.
"Personally I'm really sorry about it. But we have to find some other way [to promote rugby] and we have to decide after 2021."
Latest Comments
blackadder isnt a key player at all you cant say hes been the best player or a key all black when hes injured every week
Go to commentsThat loss to the Blues still stings! The Reds have fallen short in 4 of the 6 games decided by 7 points or fewer. Are they not fit enough to close out the close games or are there tactical issues when games go down to the wire? The pleasing thing is no Australian side can better the Reds record of 3 wins from 5 against Kiwi sides but the Brumbies can match it. Les Kiss has instilled a belief in the Reds that they can match it with all the New Zealand sides.
Go to comments