Attracting South African players could be the solution to Super Rugby Pacific’s problems, according legendary All Black Mils Muliaina.

While widespread reports suggest that World Rugby is exploring a US-based team to raise awareness about and enhance interest in the 2031 World Cup in America, Muliaina explained that such an expansion could produce another significant by-product.

Speaking on Sky Sport NZ’s premier rugby talkshow, The Breakdown, the former fullback said having an American franchise in Super Rugby would lure South African players like Manie Libbok to play in it again.

“A bit of talk this week that World Rugby are exploring the possibility and are having talks in America, considering the 2031 Rugby World Cup, of having a Super Rugby team there; I think it’s a goodie.”

“It’s a great initiative to start talking, we have got time, I’m not saying do this tomorrow, take two or three years to sort of get it in place, we’ve had lessons from the Jaguares, the Japanese side and now is the time to actually evolve Super Rugby.”

“Entice the South Africans to come back, imagine a Manie Libbok coming back and playing Super Rugby in that USA team but also implementing some of those [USA] players to try and really boost it up before the Rugby World Cup in 2031,” Muliaina added.

“This is a great opportunity, I understand they’re in talks, and I think we should stop giving it lip service. Let’s get a gun in the next three or so years.”

Muliaina reiterated his belief that South Africans are eager to return to Super Rugby.

“Now is the time to get a little bit innovative and go well ‘Hey let’s have some South Africans’, entice them to come back. I know the South Africans want to come back to Super Rugby, don’t get me wrong, entice them to come back and then build.”

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/super-rugby/report-manie-libbok-eyeing-return-to-super-rugby/