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JAPAN’S hopes of making it to the starting line of Super Rugby next year still appear doomed, and their downfall may see the Southern Kings withdraw from the expanded competition as well.
Japan’s new franchise has struggled to get off the ground this year due to an inability to sign players, and a lack of co-operation from the wealthy Top League clubs.
SANZAR grew so concerned about the viability of Japan’s team they began modelling alternate plans for the 2016 competition last month.
The JRFU responded by meeting a SANZAR deadline on August 31 and providing SANZAR with a list of 20 contracted players but it is understood the list has done nothing to allay fears of the franchise being seriously uncompetitive.
With Eddie Jones moving on, the Japanese side is struggling to appoint a coach and several Australian players have turned down approaches as well.
Sources say SANZAR taking back the Super Rugby licence from Japan is a matter of when, not if. They may get another chance to enter in 2017.
That decision could have significant knock-on effects.
It is understood the Southern Kings are also struggling to put together a competitive team and SARU are concerned they don’t have the depth to field a sixth team. The Kings came last in their sole season in Super Rugby in 2013 before being relegated again.
It is a politically charged issue, however, and SARU would have to convince the South African government to press pause on the return of the Kings.
Japan’s withdrawal leaves 17 teams and an ugly mess of a competition, however, and that could help SARU convince the government to approve a later addition of the Kings as well.
Argentina, who are steaming ahead, would be the only expansion side in a perfectly balanced 16-team competition.
Meanwhile, World Rugby boss Brett Gosper confirmed that South Africa and Italy will be looked at to host the 2019 World Cup if host nation Japan fail to prove they remain a viable option to run the tournament by the end of this month.
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