rustyb42

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!

Gruenen

Yes I quite agree.

I did read recently that the Crusaders would be reluctant to play an away game particularly outside of the S14 Franchise area. An example of their reluctance (ie Crusaders) was to play a home game in Melbourne, (due in part to Jade Stadium {Lancaster Park} - Cricket) unavailable. Management considered this request unfair to their Crusader Fans from the Canterbury Region and the aligned Crusader Franchise area.

In some respects I can understand the Crusaders considering a base outside of New Zealand when there is an away game in Australia. They have chosen Melbourne as their base when in Australia and have partnered with Collingwood AFL Franchise for use of their grounds when in Melbourne. A fortuitous decision considering that Melbourne at this stage are NOT YET represented by a locally based S14 Franchise, and the fact that Victoria (Melbourne) is AFL country. This is however, a way to promote Rugby at a higher level to Victorians. (Incidentally the Australian State Competition does include the Victorian Axemen), one tier below the S14.

Mind you, the same could be said if 2 x Teams from the Heinekin Cup or the Guinness Premiership consider playing down under.

But, yes you are correct this would be a foolhardy decision by S14.

NB: There was also a comment that the Crusaders do have an overseas Fan Base, much to do I think with the quality of team members at All Black level and the constant success of the team in S14. Promoters eager for quick financial returns are keen to market Crusader Merchandise particularly in the UK. Personally I do not see this as being a raving success.

Regards