Can The Rock smell what this viral video is cooking?
An Auckland-based business consultant has put the call out to movie star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to take on the task of championing a combined Pacific Islands Super Rugby franchise and welcome him into the jungle of rugby politics.
Simon Anderson, who is spearheading the campaign, believes Johnson's mana, marketability and smoulder would be a crucial linchpin in unifying a Pacific Nations team and sustain their place in international rugby.
A proud Samoan, Johnson spent most of his childhood in New Zealand where he played rugby, later describing it as the hardest sport he'd ever played, and has Seiuli (high orator/chief) status. He can also add the demigod Maui to the list of his credentials.
Johnson is no stranger to top-level football either having been a part of University of Miami's 1991 National Championship-winning team as well as a brief stint on the roster of a Canadian Football League franchise.
"Super Rugby needs to expand and do so without diluting the quality of the competition," Anderson said. "Pacific Island rugby needs to be given a platform from which it can compete. In Dwayne Johnson there is the perfect win-win. Were he to be granted a licence for a Pacific franchise, he would contribute to a very bright future for SANZAAR."
The plan is sure to raise eyebrows, while SANZAAR wrestles with how to approach the Pacific Island issue. However, he'll need to work fast and furiously to get this plan off the ground, but he'll be walking tall if it comes to fruition.
Super Rugby seems to be stuck between the Rock and a hard place, perhaps Johnson can become the people's champ of rugby?