New Zealand’s player quality is declining due to South Africa’s exit from Super Rugby, while the northern hemisphere continues to strengthen.
That’s the view of All Blacks legend Murray Mexted, who believes South Africa’s decision to align with Europe and join the United Rugby Championship (URC) has had a damaging impact on Super Rugby, particularly for New Zealand and Australia.
South Africa’s top franchises — the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers — were removed from Super Rugby in 2020 and subsequently joined the URC. Mexted argues that this shift has been disastrous for rugby in the southern hemisphere and fears the situation will deteriorate further.
A need for expansion?
Mexted has called on Super Rugby’s organisers to consider expanding the competition to fill the void left by the South African sides. Although Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua have joined Super Rugby Pacific, the 71-year-old insists an additional team is needed.
“We have to reassess our competition. Losing the South African teams has been a huge blow,” he told DSPN’s Martin Devlin.
“When South African teams compete in the northern hemisphere, it strengthens their competitions — they benefit. Meanwhile, we’re losing that edge down here.
“It improves the average player when you regularly face top-tier opponents. We’re missing that in New Zealand now.
“We can’t stick with the current format — we need to add something new, ideally from the Pacific region.”
Mexted isn’t alone in his concern. Fellow former All Blacks such as Stephen Donald and Israel Dagg have also voiced support for reintroducing South African teams. Ma’a Nonu, another Test centurion, echoed similar sentiments last year.
‘South Africa made the right move’
“I think the Top 14 is two levels above Super Rugby,” Nonu said on the Kick Offs and Kick Ons podcast in May 2024. “That’s where the world’s best players are.
“I haven’t played in the Premiership or URC, but I’d rank them just behind, maybe even on par with each other.
“Super Rugby still has quality thanks to Australian and Kiwi talent, but it lacks exposure to top international players.
“South Africa have struck gold. Their departure from SANZAAR has helped their teams grow. The Stormers even won the URC in their first season.
“Super Rugby might be in trouble. It still has a good standard, but I believe the Top 14 is now ahead.”
