Sunwolves cull ‘a blow to Asian rugby’
Super Rugby organisers SANZAAR have given the Japanese side the boot six months before the country hosts the World Cup, sparking concern about game's future in Asia
Tokyo — The decision by Super Rugby organisers to give Japan’s Sunwolves the boot six months before the country hosts the World Cup has sparked concerns about the sport’s growth prospects in Asia. The axe will fall on the Tokyo-based franchise after next season following a chastening first three years in the southern hemisphere’s elite competition. Last week’s announcement by Super Rugby organisers SANZAAR comes as a humiliating blow to Asian rugby as Japan gears up to host the continent’s first World Cup later in 2019. “It is clear that this is going to cause quite a lot of damage,” admitted Sunwolves CEO Yuji Watase after a 37-24 defeat by SA’s Lions at the weekend. “It’s obvious we had a responsibility to expand rugby in Asia. We have tried to do that and to an extent I believe we achieved that aim — but in pure economic terms, the reality is not that simple.” The Sunwolves were brought into Super Rugby in 2016 to tap into new Asian markets but SANZAAR said it was not prepared to...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.