Singapore could still see Super Rugby action

SINGAPORE — Super Rugby may still head to Singapore even if Japan pips the Republic’s bid to secure the 18th and final franchise for the 2016 edition.

SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby), the body that runs the competition, will decide next month whether to award it to Singapore or Japan, which is reportedly the frontrunner.

But speaking at a media roundtable at the National Stadium last night, International Rugby Board (IRB) executive committee vice-chairman and South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins said: “We do envisage playing some games here. I do not think it should be a secret now.”

Japan have reportedly agreed to play several home games a season in Singapore to cut the almost 24-hour journey for South African teams to play in Tokyo, compared to about 11 hours to reach Singapore. It was a stumbling block in Japan’s bid.

Nonetheless, Brett Gosper, chief executive officer of the IRB, expressed “support” for the Singapore bid. “We have opened the doors for a franchise playing in Singapore through the SANZAR competition,” he said. “It is not our decision, but the decision of SANZAR, but we are looking forward to support the bid for Singapore to create this opportunity.”

Gosper lauded the S$1.33 billion Sports Hub and its 55,000-seater National Stadium for its many hospitality suites and facilities.

“It is important rugby is not only on-the-field, but off-the-field as well to welcome people from around the world,” he said.

Singapore’s bid was to see the Asia Pacific Dragons, a team made up of players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, based in the Republic with the National Stadium as its home ground.

But fears over its financial viability, along with Japan’s strong rugby traditions and infrastructure, reportedly swung the bid in the East Asians’ favour.

However, Singapore Rugby Union president Low Teo Ping said: “We are now supporting one bid (Singapore’s), but at the same time, we are also a venue for the other bid, so it doesn’t matter...Despite so, we are still very aligned with the bid for the Asia Pacific Dragons.”

Gosper believes Singapore, which is also keen to host a leg of the 2016 HSBC Sevens Rugby World Series, can play a key role in the sport’s development in Asia, particularly with Japan staging the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

He said: “This place in its own right can develop as a destination for rugby, whether it is potentially the HSBC Sevens or the (2016) Olympic qualifiying tournaments in the region.” ADELENE WONG