“It’s not big. The good news is the news is out there, there’s a lot of talk about it, everyone that might be in a position to do so knows about it and I’m sure those conversations are happening, if there is interest.”
Should Moana Pasifika be unable to find a saviour, Super Rugby appears set to move forward as a 10-team competition.
When asked what the structure might look like, Mesley said he wouldn’t speculate while Moana Pasifika were still in a period of uncertainty.
“What I would say and what I have said is that we are planning for all eventualities,” Mesley said.
“That planning is well underway and, should that eventuality take place, the competition will be in a good position to make sure that the 2027 competition is a great one and is delivered on time in a good way.”
World Rugby’s chairman Brett Robinson, a former Brumbies and Wallabies flanker, said the franchise would not be saved by the governing body, noting the organisation did not underwrite professional teams but did provide funding to other programmes to develop Pacific international teams.
He said that included A$15 million ($18m) from the Rugby World Cup funding, which went to supporting junior pathways as well as men’s and women’s 7s and 15s, and that the Fijian and Samoan women’s teams competed at last year’s World Cup in England with support from the organisation.
“World Rugby doesn’t underwrite professional teams. There are lots of professional teams around the world. We don’t underwrite Premiership teams, the Top 14, South America Rugby, URC,” Robinson said.
“We don’t do it. It’s not our job, it’s not our responsibility but what we will do is invest heavily in creating and supporting the strength and the capability of international teams where we can.”
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
