Michael Hooper questions URC's value for South African Rugby
Michael Hooper doubts if the URC truly benefits South African rugby
©PA
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has raised pointed concerns over South Africa’s involvement in the United Rugby Championship (URC), questioning whether the shift to the northern hemisphere competition has delivered real value to South African rugby.
Hooper, who recently joined the South African URC outfit the Sharks, admitted to being initially puzzled by the strategic decision taken by South African rugby authorities to move away from Super Rugby.
Reflecting on his early impressions, he commented on the dramatic shift from a competition that featured New Zealand, Australian, and South African teams to a European-centric model.
“It’s different,” Hooper said. “It’s not like it’s the best thing ever for South African rugby. I don’t know. It’s up to the players and fans to decide.”
The URC, which features teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Italy, and South Africa, replaced South Africa's long-standing participation in Super Rugby, a tournament deeply entrenched in Southern Hemisphere rivalries and faster-paced gameplay.
The decision to leave was driven largely by logistical challenges, time zone difficulties, and financial concerns, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Hooper's remarks signal a growing discourse about the actual competitive and developmental gains from the new arrangement.
Super Rugby, for decades, served as a high-octane breeding ground for southern hemisphere talent, and many now question if URC matches that standard.
South Africa’s transition to the URC was also justified by the prospect of aligning more closely with European time zones and increasing revenue from broadcasting rights.
For Hooper, who brings with him a wealth of experience from the Super Rugby system, the difference in playing style and pace is evident. “It’s a different product. It’s not necessarily better or worse, but it’s definitely different.”
Hooper also implied that the ultimate judgment on the URC move would not come from executives or administrators, but from those who live and breathe the game. “It’s up to the players and fans to decide,” he reiterated.
