Super Rugby: Crusaders coach Scott Robertson backs cross-hemisphere club championship

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson hopes for more recognition for winning Super Rugby than just the title at the end of the competition.

Robertson wants to see the winner of Super Rugby face off against the northern hemisphere champions in a bid to create a global showpiece at club level, a concept that may also benefit his own coaching aspirations.

The 45-year-old has been a major factor in their three-year title run, winning every season he's coached, and his aspirations this year are no different.

"I love the global side of it," Robertson has told Newshub. "I love the idea of how we can connect up if we have a competition down here and then we can link to the north.

"That would make it pretty special."

The current Aratipu review into Super Rugby may forge the way for that to happen.

Robertson believes now is the right time to consider how the competition can improve and he thinks a North v South showdown may be the answer.

"For us to run out or to play in a final against a team from the northern hemisphere, which has never really seemed likely, would be pretty special."

That may also prove beneficial for Robertson's own coaching future.

COVID-19's grip on the sporting landscape means coaching jobs in Europe could become less obtainable. 

"You have a plan and you have intentions, but you have to be willing to adapt," he adds.

Coaching the Crusaders to not just the top of Super Rugby, but also club champions of the world may fulfill the missing link in Robertson's resume, if jobs in Europe are to become few and far between.

"There's only a small margin or a fine margin of opportunities out there as a coach if it all lines up... but that time will come."

Robertson has made no secret of his desire to coach the All Blacks and his disappointment at missing out on the top job to Ian Foster.

A fresh outlook for the game may mean his path to a second attempt looks very different.

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