Super Rugby shouldn't be diluted, says Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown

Rugby Australia has issued its NZ counterparts an ultimatum over the future of Super Rugby.

Chiefs executive Rob Clarke has given NZ Rugby three weeks to accept five Aussie teams or they'll go it alone, but the governing body is not taking the bait. 

Six years have passed since an Australian team dominated Super Rugby, but that's not stopping Rugby Australia from trying to take control.

"We can't wait much longer on the whole trans-Tasman competition decision," says Clarke. "That's been going on now for a considerable period of time."

Former Wallaby Rod Kafer's clearly enjoying Rugby Australia being in the driver's seat.

"I'm delighted in the approach that they've taken," Kafers says. "Let's see if New Zealand want to come and play in our competition.

"Let's see if they want to be involved with us."

But NZ Rugby won't be rushed into a decision, with a spokesman telling Newshub that updates will be given once they have an announcement to make.

The NZR's main reservation for including the Aussies is the standard of play. Their five franchises have managed just three wins on New Zealand soil in the past 50 games.

"In the end, I think you'd rather play in this comp than a diluted one, where you can play average and still win games of rugby," says Highlanders assistant coach Tony Brown.

And Super Rugby Aotearoa has delivered a high quality product that the players want to see continue.

"Condense it and have good quality games, and hopefully we'll see what's happened this year, with good crowds and people wanting to get amongst it," says Highlanders forward Dillon Hunt.

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