Sunwolves to play Lions under a cloud
The Japanese franchise is widely expected to be axed from Super Rugby for next season
The Sunwolves will play under a heavy cloud when they face the Golden Lions in Singapore on Saturday, after it was widely touted that Super Rugby are about to announce the axing of Japan franchise for next season. Governing body Sanzaar said it would make a statement on the “future of Super Rugby” on Friday. Sydney’s Daily Telegraph said the Sunwolves would be sacrificed as the 15-team, globe-crossing tournament reverts to 14 sides and a round-robin format in 2020, ditching its unpopular conference system. A spokesperson for the Tokyo-based team said: “We are still waiting for Friday’s official announcement and at this stage have no comment to make.” But it could not come at a worse time, just six months before Japan hosts the Rugby World Cup. Outstanding Western Stormers forward Pieter-Steph du Toit is unlikely to play in all four games on an Australasia tour because his wife is expecting their first child. “When my wife phones to say the birth is imminent, I will catch the first a...
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