Queensland Reds set to face Lions for the last time in Super Rugby at Suncorp Stadium

[James]

It would be great to pick up Elton Jantjies. I thought he was already capped but I guess not.

I reckon the Lions to win this one.

[sittingbison]

...I don't understand why to be able to play for their country at international level, SH players have to stay in that country?? Can someone explain it to me?

PC it is an attempt by SANZAR to enhance the quality of its competition by forcing its internationals to stay, otherwise they would all immediately go over to the rich Northern clubs and the second rate and older players there coming back to play here when they are forced out.

[SinBin]

It would be great to pick up Elton Jantjies. I thought he was already capped but I guess not.

I reckon the Lions to win this one.

I'd love to see the Lions win it but the Bookies don't give them a chance. One of my clients is a proud Lions supporter and devastated with what's happening. Interestingly Force -v- Rebels odds are even at today's date - $1.90

[Ham105]

It's a carrot and stick job to keep the test level players in the country. Without it, a lot more players would bugger off overseas.

It's a good policy and I support it.

Let the SH players chase the cash in their final few years when they are done at test level.

[PerthChicka]

Thanks Bison :-)) I see the logic as far as players moving from the SH to the NH is concerned, but I still don't see why players moving from SA or NZ to Aus and vice versa is such a big problem.

Anyway, it is what it is I guess so we have to work within the rules we've got. That said, I still think the EWF should be allowed to recruit more players from outside Aus for the next few years so as to give us a more level playing field in our own conference dammit!!

[The InnFORCEr]

I would guess we are "in talks" with ARU about this exact issue.

I "think" we have been trying to re-sign Mark Swanepoel but because he played for Canterbury in ITM they (ARU) want him to take our O/S player spot or Development player spot, however he has already played for us in a standard player spot.

It will be interetsing to see if the ARU allow us ANY room to move.

[PerthChicka]

I would guess we are "in talks" with ARU about this exact issue.

I "think" we have been trying to re-sign Mark Swanepoel but because he played for Canterbury in ITM they (ARU) want him to take our O/S player spot or Development player spot, however he has already played for us in a standard player spot.

It will be interetsing to see if the ARU allow us ANY room to move.

Fingers crossed, but I won't hold my breath!! If the ARU agree though, Vern goes up in my estimation!

[Hoolly Doolly]

PC it is an attempt by SANZAR to enhance the quality of its competition by forcing its internationals to stay, otherwise they would all immediately go over to the rich Northern clubs and the second rate and older players there coming back to play here when they are forced out.

The Boks have had numerous guys play up north and then walk into tri nations without a super rugby cap that year.

[beige]

Poor buggers :-( I do know a few Lions supporters but they are very quiet!

Is it that the club is being axed altogether, or are they just leaving the S15 comp? Would be a shame if they disappear altogether as they won't be able to defend their Currie Cup title :-(

The Lions Super Rugby franchise is technically a different entity to the Golden Lions Currie Cup team; that team will continue although you imagine their roster will be stripped of its best players unless (or even if) it aligns itself with another franchise.

[Rex Messup]

Love the squiggle on Marto's forehead WFDS

Shame for Lions

The obvious solution is an amalgamation between Lion and Cheetahs as "Cats"

Share the games between Bloem and Joberg

There would be plenty of support to restructure the conference system. NZ hates it, RSA hates it. It's a shot duck anyway. Might as well end it now as wait for 3 more years of it

Super 16. 16 games alternating home and away annually. Much fairer system

Conference system sucks ass

[beige]

I should point out that I think that article has jumped the gun by about 2 months judging by this one: http://www.businessday.co.za/article...aspx?id=171878

[PerthChicka]

The Lions Super Rugby franchise is technically a different entity to the Golden Lions Currie Cup team; that team will continue although you imagine their roster will be stripped of its best players unless (or even if) it aligns itself with another franchise.

Ah okay. I hadn't realised they were different. Gee, SA rugger's complicated ;-D

[BeeJay]

Coach John Mitchell?!
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PLEASE NO!!!!!

[sandgroperrugby]

They don't have any fans. Have you seen some of their Super Rugby crowds.

That or they constantly have a go dressed as an empty seat competition

I thought That was more due to the stadium being located in a very very dodgy end of town?

[Ralto]

Coach John Mitchell?!
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When the Lions go, Mitchell's on the loose,
for God's sake we've got to keep the Lions together - where do I donate?.