Rugby legend Sonny Bill Williams has thrown down the gauntlet, pleading with South African franchises to rejoin Super Rugby. But here's where it gets controversial: are they playing hard to get, or is there more to the story?** Since 2020, South African teams have been notably absent from the southern hemisphere's premier club tournament, despite remaining part of the Rugby Championship. Instead, they've cozied up to the north, with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers now competing in the United Rugby Championship. And this is the part most people miss: they’ve also been granted access to prestigious tournaments like the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, with the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers set to represent them in the 2025/26 season.
While the Sharks faced a bruising defeat against Northampton Saints recently, the Stormers and Lions secured impressive victories over Saracens and La Rochelle, respectively. In a light-hearted yet pointed tweet, Williams chimed in after Grant Williams’ try for the Sharks, quipping on X (formerly Twitter), “Can the South African teams stop playing hard to get and come back to Super Rugby?” He cheekily added, “asking for a mate.”
Williams isn’t alone in his plea. Fellow 2011 Rugby World Cup winner Stephen Donald has also voiced his support for South Africa’s return. Donald argues that South Africa brings a unique brand of rugby and a level of competition that’s hard to replicate. “It’s one of the great rugby nations,” he said in May. “You’re bringing back a level of player and an experience that’s unmatched.”
But here’s the kicker: Donald acknowledges that South Africa’s move north was financially motivated and has paid off. Yet, he hints that all may not be rosy in their current setup. “If there was a chance to bring them back, you would,” he insists. For Donald, playing in South Africa is a test like no other. “You’re up against big, big humans in the most hostile environment in rugby,” he explains. “It’s a place where you’re not just tested as a player, but as a man.”
He believes Super Rugby is missing out without South Africa and suggests prioritizing their return over expanding to American teams. “Maybe two or three teams—whatever they can manage—would be better for our competition than jumping into an American expansion, which feels more beneficial to America than to us,” he argues.
So, what do you think? Is South Africa’s absence from Super Rugby a missed opportunity, or is their northern alignment the right move? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to hear your take!
