Dave Rennie: Wallabies coach urges Australia to stay in Super Rugby Pacific

Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie has implored Australia’s officials not to walk away from the Super Rugby Pacific tournament as it is important for his players’ development that they continue to face New Zealand opposition.

There were reports last week that Rugby Australia (RA) chairman Hamish McLennan informed his New Zealand counterpart Stewart Mitchell of his organisation’s intention to potentially quit Super Rugby Pacific.

In a later interview, McLennan revealed that RA would honour its commitments to Super Rugby until 2023 but hinted at a possible all-Australain tournament being started after that with the aim of building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

But Rennie is convinced that taking on New Zealand‘s teams is the best way forward as it will be beneficial to the Wallabies.

“I think it’s good for both countries that we play Trans-Tasman footy,” he told AAP.

“I think the competition has been excellent this year, and our sides have been more competitive. I think it’s good for them, it’s good for us. I’d like to see that continue.

“They’ve got some of the best players In the world. You want to be playing the best players. That’s how we will get better and be challenged, so it’s important.”

However, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that an imbalance in the broadcasting revenue is the driving force behind RA’s threat. Currently, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have a AUS$91m deal in place with with Sky while RA only receive AUS$29m from Nine and Stan Sports.

“I understand Hamish is an innovative thinker. From a commercial point of view, (Rugby Australia) want a bigger slice of the pie. So I understand his thinking,” Rennie said.

“But I think what a lot of New Zealand clubs will think, too, is that us playing Trans-Tasman