Any prospective Super Rugby restructure would be welcomed by Blues duo James Parsons and Tom Coventry, after this week's reported New Zealand Rugby recommendations.
In a report by Newshub earlier this week, New Zealand Rugby have seen a proposal for a competition restructure, involving the five Kiwi sides, Australian outfits and a Pacific team compete in a new-look Super Rugby.
The four current South African sides and Argentina's Jaguares would not be involved, in a move that would surely be the beginning of the end for SANZAAR as we know it.
The immediate commercial success of Super Rugby Aotearoa, and Super Rugby AU have given reason to believe that New Zealand and Australia could carry a competition.
A Pacific team has been mooted in previous expansion proposals but it never eventuated.
Speaking at Blues training today, hooker Parsons says that the proposals are something that could lead to renewed enthusiasm for the competition.
"I just think it would be exciting," Parsons told media.
"Out of Covid, there comes opportunity, and it's an opportunity to refresh a competition. Whatever it looks like, it'll be [an] exciting venture, just like Super Rugby Aotearoa's shown.
"New, fresh, brings people back, and hopefully get that rivalry going between New Zealand and Aussie, and some Pacific sides as well."
However, Parsons added that the loss of South Africa and Argentina would be hard on the competition.
"Not going away from how we've liked to play the South African sides.
"[It's a] different style of footy, and I think it preps you well, in terms of All Black rugby and stuff like that. If it goes back to that, we'll be happy as well."
Forwards coach Tom Coventry shared similar sentiments to Parsons, adding to commentary that Super Rugby as it stands may have run its course.
"We do have an opportunity to reshape the game," Coventry said.
"We can reshape the competition to make it look like something it needs to. Whether it involves South Africa or not, I'm not sure.
"But like [Parsons] said, it's important we hang on to our close neighbours Australia."
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