Sonny Bill Williams has playfully urged the South African rugby franchises to reconsider their stance and return to Super Rugby, a popular southern hemisphere tournament they have been absent from since 2020. This absence has been notable, especially given South Africa's presence in the Rugby Championship, where they continue to compete at a high level.
Since their departure, South African teams such as the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers have shifted their focus northward and now participate in the United Rugby Championship. This transition has allowed them to showcase their talents on a different stage, but it has also sparked discussions about the future of Super Rugby itself.
Recently, the Sharks and Stormers have had some impressive performances, representing South Africa in prestigious competitions like the Investec Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup during the 2025/26 season. While the Sharks faced a tough loss against Northampton Saints last weekend, the Stormers and Sharks both secured victories against formidable opponents Saracens and La Rochelle, respectively.
In a lighthearted moment on social media, Sonny Bill responded to a try scored by Grant Williams of the Sharks, tweeting: "Can the South African teams stop playing hard to get and come back to Super Rugby?" He added a humorous touch by stating he was asking for a friend.
Williams isn’t alone in his sentiments; fellow former All Black Stephen Donald has also weighed in, advocating for South Africa’s return to Super Rugby instead of pursuing expansion into the American market. Donald emphasized the unique style of rugby that South African teams bring, referring to their reputation as one of the great rugby nations. He pointed out that while financial incentives and time zone advantages prompted South Africa's shift, there are signs indicating that all might not be well in their current domestic arrangements.
Donald noted, "If there was a chance of bringing them back, you would want to do it. Playing in South Africa offers an unparalleled challenge, both on and off the field. Competing in venues like Loftus Versfeld or Kings Park is intense due to the passionate local crowds, which provide a daunting environment for any player."
He continued by stressing the importance of facing such challenges: "It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about mental fortitude as well. You really have to step up your game when playing there. I believe we miss the competitive spirit they bring, and if there's any possibility to reintegrate a couple of their teams into Super Rugby, that should take precedence over adding American teams, which seems more beneficial for them than for the integrity of our competition."
As discussions around the future of Super Rugby continue, many fans are left wondering: What impact would South Africa's return have on the competition? Would it enhance the quality of play, or is the current structure sufficient? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
