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Originally Posted by skysports
Super 14s rugby could soon be coming to England - if a South African initiative is approved.
According to reports in a Christchurch daily newspaper, New Zealand side The Crusaders are being lined up to play South African outfit The Stormers at Twickenham in 2008.
Although talks are still in their infancy, the proposal - which would need the approval of the New Zealand, South African and English unions - is seen as a good way of increasing the worldwide popularity of the competition, while appealing to the expatriate support of both clubs in England.
Crusaders chairman Bob Stewart told The Press: "Conceptually, an away game played in that part of the world (the UK), as part of the 2008 round robin, is very appealing and has been for some time.
"But there's a lot of work to be done, certainly by the Stormers in the first instance, because, effectively, it's their game.
"I wouldn't say it's likely at this stage because of the amount of work that needs to be done, but it's in line with where we see the opportunities for the Crusaders."
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hmmmm not too sure about this one, I mean ok the NFL is coming to London as there are hundreds of thousands of NFL fans in the UK that cannot see a game
However every game in the SUPER 14 (well every major game) is broadcast live on Sky so we see all of those that way. Within the UK there are hundreds of rugby teams playing every week. Brits get their fill of rugby with their local side, many of whom have much bigger stars than anybody the Stormers could put up. So who would be enticing us to go and see this game?
Nobody springs to mind right away, infact I would have to go and check the Stormers official site for team lists etc before even knowing much about them.
So this game is design for ex-patriots. Hmmmm is there 82000 of them willing to pay hge amounts of money to go and see this game? Only time will tell us that. However what about the lost revenue of the Stormers? They have to move to England for a week, pay to rent Twicknham instead of their own ground, hotel costs, flights etc. Ticket sales would need to be through the roof at very exhorbitant prices for them to even consider this
In my opinion This is an awful move by Super 14 if it was to go ahead!