All Blacks star Beauden Barrett has urged Super Rugby organisers to turn to Japan in a bid to restore the competition to its former heights.
The article discusses the efforts to revive Super Rugby, focusing on the potential inclusion of Japan to enhance the competition's appeal and competitiveness. Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has advocated for Japan's inclusion, highlighting the benefits of their rugby development and the financial stability they could bring to the tournament. The article mentions that Super Rugby has faced challenges with format changes and team withdrawals, particularly after the departure of South African teams to Europe. Hansen's plea comes as part of a broader roadmap to restructure and revitalize Super Rugby, aiming to make it more engaging for fans and sustainable for teams. This includes considering a new format that could integrate teams from Japan, potentially increasing the competition's global footprint and attractiveness.