With the current Super Rugby contract ending next year, NZ Rugby and Rugby Australia have engaged in a war of words across the Tasman in recent months, trying to thrash out an extension.
COVID-19 has muddied the waters of this relationship and Australia's inability to generate the same broadcast revenue as New Zealand has seen our neighbours demand an even split of the total pool, a situation that existed before the pandemic.
The Aussies have threatened to break away from a competition that once included South Africa, Japan and Argentina, but now feature Pacific-based teams Fiji Drua and Moana Pasifika.
"Some board members have strong opinions that a domestic-only competition, like the AFL [Australian Football League] and NRL [National Rugby League], would generate more money for the game and that is fair comment, said RA chairman Hamish McLennan."
The rivals seem poised to remain allies, with today's announcement expected to confirm a new seven-year extension through the 2030 season. Join us at 1:30pm for live coverage of the historic deal.
