Former All Black Says Super Rugby Declined After South Africa’s Exit

When South African franchises packed their bags and moved north to compete in Europe, the rugby world knew Super Rugby would never look the same. But according to one of New Zealand’s most respected voices, the shift didn’t just change the shape of the competition. It weakened it.

Rugby great John Kirwan believes the departure of SA teams hasn’t just hurt the tournament. He says it has slowed New Zealand’s own development.

Kirwan Pushes Back Against Claims Super Rugby Is Better Off Without SA

Kirwan’s criticism follows bold comments from Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley, who recently insisted the competition was thriving without South African sides. Mesley argued that fixtures featuring South African teams did not deliver strong TV ratings or fill stadiums, suggesting there was no need to bring them back.

But Kirwan is having none of it.

Speaking on the Rivals podcast, the former All Black described Mesley’s statement as “nonsense”, adding that while a CEO may need to defend the product publicly, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Why South Africa’s Absence Still Matters

For Kirwan, the core issue is rugby development. He believes New Zealand players have lost a crucial proving ground.

“Without South African teams,” he explained, “the jump from Super Rugby to Test rugby has become too big.”
It’s an indictment that goes beyond nostalgia. Historically, SA sides brought physicality, variety, travel challenges and a style that forced players to adapt. Removing that element, Kirwan argues, has diluted the competitive intensity the southern hemisphere once prided itself on.

Has Super Rugby Lost Its Edge?

The retired winger didn’t hold back when assessing the state of the competition today.

“What has become of Super Rugby?” he asked. “Is it still a high-performance environment preparing players for Test rugby?”

He is also calling for transparency, questioning Mesley’s claims that interest and attendance are rising without SA teams. Kirwan wants the data made public, saying he doesn’t believe the picture is as rosy as presented.

A Debate That Won’t Die Anytime Soon

South Africa’s move to the United Rugby Championship reshaped the global rugby map and sparked ongoing debate about who truly gained and who lost. Kirwan’s comments reopen a conversation many fans on both sides of the equator still feel strongly about.

What is clear is that for New Zealand’s rugby legend, the southern hemisphere hasn’t been quite the same since the Rainbow Nation stepped away and neither has Super Rugby.

If the competition ever hopes to reclaim its old intensity, Kirwan believes a simple truth must be faced: you can’t replace South African opposition.

{Source:SABC Sport}

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