Former New Zealand rugby star, Justin Marshall, has put forward an innovative plan to revitalize the Super Rugby Pacific schedule. Marshall is of the opinion that the current format is ineffective and has proposed an alternative approach to engage fans and reignite interest in the sport.
In an interview with The Platform, Marshall voiced his concerns about the lacklustre matches and declining interest in Super Rugby. He stressed the need for a strategic overhaul to compete with the growing popularity of rugby league, particularly the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.
Marshall emphasized the importance of creating a schedule that maintains momentum and captivates fans’ interest. He suggested extending the week to include rugby matches from Thursday through Tuesday, with Wednesday designated as a rest day. According to Marshall, this extended schedule would provide ample rest periods for the teams and allow fans to enjoy rugby matches every night of the week, similar to the NRL’s scheduling during peak periods.
Marshall noted that the current bye rounds are not achieving desired results and called for a more creative and strategic approach to reinvigorate Super Rugby. He emphasized careful scheduling to ensure that high-stakes and highly anticipated matches are strategically placed to maintain fans’ excitement and interest.
Furthermore, Marshall highlighted the need for Super Rugby to compete with the NRL and other sporting events, emphasizing the importance of scheduling blockbuster games during bye rounds. He expressed disappointment with the lack of compelling matches during recent bye rounds and urged for a more calculated and engaging approach in future scheduling.
Super Rugby Pacific organisers have not yet announced any official changes to the existing schedule in response to Marshall’s proposal. However, his ideas have sparked discussions among rugby enthusiasts and industry insiders, generating interest in the prospect of a revamped and exhilarating Super Rugby calendar.
As Super Rugby Pacific continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of sports entertainment, Justin Marshall’s proposal presents an intriguing and potentially transformative vision for the future of the sport. While the immediate implementation of his ideas remains uncertain, the conversation surrounding the scheduling and format of Super Rugby has undoubtedly been reignited, sparking hope for an exciting and revitalised era of rugby in New Zealand and beyond.