The new name of the game

[travelling_gerry]

• By Dean Ritchie
• From: The Daily Telegraph
• December 10, 2009 12:00AM

RUGBY union won't call its major provincial competition the Super 15 when Melbourne enter the competition in 2011. It will simply be known as Super Rugby.


The Daily Telegraph understands the new name will become official after next year's competition when Melbourne - to be possibly known as the Rebels - become the 15th franchise.

The competition has been known as Super 12 and Super 14 but SANZAR strongly believes constantly altering the name will damage its brand.

Officials have already decided the competition will not be known as Super 15 in 2011.

"If there is further expansion, we don't want to be continually changing the name to Super 16 or Super 18," said one source.

"We have been enormously successful Super 12 and Super 14.

"But with a move to 15 teams and possible further expansion, a Super Rugby brand name would deliver on-going continuity.

"Super Rugby can be then retained long-term, irrespective of how many teams are competing. Super Rugby is a marketable brand that will have an enduring presence."


The competition's name change has been discussed but no final decision has been reached.

However, there little doubt it will be introduced when Melbourne arrive in the competition.

Marketing experts agree that constantly tampering with a brand name can be dangerous.

The Super 14 competition for 2010 kicks off in February with the South African-based Bulls favourites.

FORMER Australian Test lock Dan Vickerman will captain Cambridge University in today's Varsity clash with Oxford at Twickenham.

But Vickerman said he would not be returning to Test football with the Wallabies. His last Test for Australia was in August 2008, before he moved to Cambridge to complete a degree in land economy.

"But always representing your country is a special thing," he said.
Vickerman featured in last year's 33-29 Varsity defeat at the hands of Oxford and is keen for revenge, although he admits the task will not be easy.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225808810621

[TOCC]

it really only makes sense, the other thing is that the naming rights for the 'Super Rugby' competition will be sold as a package, and not individually in each country like it has been in the past.

So we wont have the Tooheys News Super 14 in Australia whilst in New Zealand its the Rebel Sports Super 14, it will be the same across all, possibly the Emirates Super Rugby Competition

[palitu]

mmm... tooheys new,...

though i already call it super rugby anyway.

[AndyS]

The tune is probably obvious. I had hoped to find something music-only to attach, but didn't have any luck...

-----------------------------------------------------
We're Super

BG SANZAR:
Fans are sighing. Cash flows are drying.
Grassroots are whinging, the talent pools are shallow too.
Kicking is endless and mostly pointless
The whole world has gone to hell, so what do we do....?

We're now "Super"! Thanks for asking.
All things considered we couldn't be better we must say.
We're just "Super", no need for numbers
Everything is just super when you're... (Don't you think they look cute in that red?)

I'm so sorry, Eastern Capers
but I just can't feel too bad for you right now.
because our comp is so insanely super
that even the fact that you can't play can't bring us down.

Punters:
It's just "Super"!
Though we weren't asking!
All things considered
We just hope they're better when they play...

BG SANZAR:
We're "Super"! No need for numbers!
Everything is super when you're...
Don't you think I look cute with more teams
these extra derbies, these matching pools and loads more cash....we're "Super"!

Punters:
Looking for some Islanders and Argies as well

BG SANZAR:
Get 'em in

Punters:
Lucky there are no bigger issues in play

BG SANZAR:
Breakdowns!

Punters:
All those meetings and all they have to convey...

BG SANZAR:
Okay?

Punters:
Everything's just "Super" - they're so........