Former rugby administrators and players from Australia and New Zealand have called for a significant overhaul of the current Super Rugby Pacific competition, suggesting a return to a club-based structure that could reignite fan engagement and restore the sport's traditional appeal. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over the financial sustainability and declining public interest in Super Rugby, despite recent high-profile events and solid international rugby growth.

David Moffett, a former New Zealand Rugby chief executive and National Rugby League (NRL) boss, and Wallabies veteran Matt Giteau have publicly advocated for abandoning the trans-Tasman Super Rugby format in favor of strengthening domestic club competitions. Moffett described Super Rugby as a "dead horse" that no longer captivates audiences, arguing that the tournament has lost its tribal identity and the passion that once defined the sport in the region.

This debate follows a sellout all-New Zealand Super Rugby final between the Hurricanes and Chiefs last weekend in Wellington, which contrasted with ongoing financial struggles faced by franchises on both sides of the Tasman. The Hurricanes, despite their recent championship, reported a $2 million loss last year. Australian franchises have faced even greater difficulties, with the Melbourne Rebels accumulating $23 million in debt before being rescued by Rugby Australia, while the Western Force continues to rely heavily on private funding by benefactors Andrew and Nicola Forrest. The Force is expected to incur further multimillion-dollar losses in 2026, placing additional pressure on its future viability as the club transitions to a not-for-profit model.

New Zealand clubs have commissioned consulting work—reportedly by Deloitte—to explore measures aimed at revitalizing the 30-year-old Super Rugby tournament. While details remain confidential under non-disclosure agreements, it is understood that Australian franchises have been surveyed on key issues including the potential for open-border player policies. Both New Zealand and Australian officials acknowledge that the competition faces critical challenges, with one Super Rugby CEO warning that “something radical” will be necessary to ensure its survival.

Moffett contends that returning to the club level would allow rugby to regain its soul by fostering semi-professional environments where players can compete week-to-week and supporters can reconnect with local teams. He pointed to Australia’s strong club competitions, such as the Shute Shield, known for expansive play and passionate crowds filling suburban grounds. He criticized the professional era for promoting conservative, risk-averse strategies driven by coaching job security fears, which he said have made the game less entertaining and diminished its flair.

Giteau echoed concerns about the loss of tribalism and grassroots support within Super Rugby, noting that while the game still offers exciting tries and high scoring, crowd attendance remains uneven and the competition lacks the emotional connection it once held. He suggested that re-establishing a purely Australian competition might be worth considering given the challenges with current cross-border formats.

Timing and scheduling were also highlighted as obstacles to such a shift. Moffett pointed out that competitions like New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) are “completely out of sequence” with the current calendar, leading to a congested season that impacts player availability and fan engagement. He proposed a streamlined, eight-team Super Rugby format following the conclusion of club and provincial competitions to allow those grassroots competitions to thrive independently.

While the future of Super Rugby remains uncertain, these calls for a structural rethink underscore the urgency among stakeholders to address declining interest and financial instability. A renewed focus on club rugby, bolstered by potential promotion and relegation systems and better alignment with domestic seasons, could represent a path forward for reinvigorating the sport in the region.