South African teams

NZ rugby would be better if South Africa teams were in Super Rugby

Covid meant New Zealand, Australia and South Africa played their own competitions in 2020.

In 2021 New Zealand and Australia played in house tournaments followed by a cross-over series, while South African teams decided to head to the Northern Hemisphere and play in the United Rugby Championship.

Robertson said the New Zealand teams, and by extension the All Blacks, are worse off without South Africa in Super Rugby.

He believes the South African teams are missed.

"I think more and more now."

'Millions of pounds' on offer for South African sides

Media reports in Britain yesterday claimed the Johannesburg based Lions, the Durban-based Sharks and Capetown franchise the Stormers are planning to move out of Super rugby.

Super rugby's governing body SANZAAR dismissed the report as simply wrong. But the president of the Lions franchise Kevin de Klerk, isn't ruling out the possibility saying there are 'millions of pounds on offer in Europe'.

He's told the Daily Telegraph that market forces could force a move to the northern hemisphere when the current Super Rugby broadcasting deal expires in 2020.

'Simply wrong' that South African teams are leaving Super Rugby

Wales Online says the Durban-based Sharks are set to leave the competition to join the European PRO14 competition for 2019-20.

The Cheetahs and Kings, who were cut from the down-sized Super Rugby last year, already play in the competition which includes teams form Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

The report said that the Lions and Stormers would likely follow suit.

Despite the Lions making the Super Rugby final last year South Africa's franchises feel they are handicapped due to the different time zones.