Brown still blames South Africa for Sunwolves cull

SPOTLIGHT: Former Sunwolves coach Tony Brown has yet again revealed that South Africa Rugby is to blame for the Japanese-based franchise's Super Rugby demise.

According to Stuff, Brown revealed that decision to axed Sunvolwes was a vindictive move directed by SA Rugby.

Last year SANZAAR confirmed that 2020 would be the Sunwolves' last season in the Southern Hemisphere competition. However, with the global COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic the season came to a halt simultaneously ending the Japanese side's great farewell.

In recent weeks there was a glimmer of hope for Sunwolves, however, their Super Rugby career was effectively over after the announcement last week the franchise wouldn't be included in an Australian Super Rugby competition because of travel restrictions and other logistics.

Brown, the current Highlanders assistant coach, has previously been critical of South Africa's role in the Sunwolves' demise but took his attack to a new level after the team was officially shuttered.

*Also read: South Africa to blame for Sunwolves axing 

He is adamant the Sunwolves were targeted after Japan voted for France, rather than South Africa, in a closely fought race to stage the 2023 World Cup.

"I just feel as though the relationship between South Africa and Japan was pretty nasty there when South Africa were really trying to get the Sunwolves kicked out of the competition," Brown told Stuff.

"I've mentioned previously the hatred South Africa had for the Sunwolves and Japan rugby around them not voting for South Africa to host the World Cup.

"I think that's where it started and now we've ended up with not having the Sunwolves involved and a little bit of grey around what role Japan will play in the future of Super Rugby."

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Brown said it was important for the sport's sake that Japan is involved in any top-flight international club or franchise competition that evolves next year.

He was heartened by reports that Japan's leading Top League clubs were being considered to join an international play-off series, believing they would be competitive in such an environment.

He said interest in rugby and the Top League had soared after Japan's hosting of last year's Rugby World Cup but that sentiment was under threat following the Covid-19 hiatus.

Brown and head coach Jamie Joseph helped mastermind the Brave Blossom's charge to the quarter-finals.

They were knocked out, ironically by South Africa, who went on to clinch the title.

Brown said that outcome and the goodwill shown to the Springboks by the Japanese public may have healed rugby relations between the nations.

Source: AAP & Stuff