In 2025, Australia might finally have an answer to its third-tier question. For nearly 20 years, players transitioning from clubland to Super Rugby has been a problem many regimes in Rugby Australia have tried to solve. Attempts have been made and formats discussed – and the reality often comes down to the cold hard facts of fiscal capabilities or fan engagement – that oddly enough, usually take precedence over the initial performance pathway goals for players.
However, following The Roar ’s exclusive on Monday that Rugby Australia is holding high-level talks to get a third-tier Super Rugby AU-style competition up and running from 2025 , it looks as if Australian rugby will travel down the third-tier gauntlet yet again. Have Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh and Rugby Australia Chair Daniel Herbert found a solution to the third-tier challenge? (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images) It is not the only option on the table, with Rugby Australia chairman Daniel Herbert revealing on The Roar Rugby Podcast back in September that the governing body is also exploring a national club competition option, and whether that be in tandem with Monday’s proposal or serve as another alternative is unclear. Regardless, the idea has been floating around Moore Park for a while, with Phil Waugh voicing his support for a cross-over club competition early upon his arrival .
It is no secret to many commenters on this site that the ‘third-tier’ question is one of the topics rugby fans have p.