The Crusaders celebrate winning the Super Rugby title in Johannesburg at the weekend. Photo ReutersThere is nothing more traditional than the Crusaders as Super Rugby champions, but a record eighth title for the New Zealand powerhouse will do nothing to remove the question marks over the future of the competition. Possible realignmentIt is that decision which could have the greatest ramifications for the future of Super Rugby after the current broadcast agreement expires in 2020. That would take Australasian rugby back to amateur days of 1992 when a forerunner of Super Rugby, the Super Six, involved the Fiji team, three New Zealand provincial sides and two Australian state teams. The viability of Super Rugby on the islands has been tested over the last two seasons, however, with the Crusaders and Waikato Chiefs blazing the trail in Suva in 2016 and repeating the exercise this year.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 06, 2017 21:22 UTC