Jackpot.

Legendary All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu reckons South Africa hit the jackpot by moving their big four franchises to the Northern Hemisphere and joining the United Rugby Championship.

The URC continues to go from strength to strength with the four leading South African franchises playing a huge role in its success over the last three seasons since its inception.

Nonu believes Super Rugby has fallen down the pecking order with France’s Top 14 leading the way in terms of club rugby, with the URC and the English Premiership not far behind.

“I think the Top 14 edges Super Rugby two notches. For one, you’ve got the best players in the world in that competition,” Nonu told the Kick Offs and Kick Ons podcast.

“I hadn’t mentioned the Prem and the URC because I haven’t played there, but I would say they come second and third, or maybe second equal.

“Super Rugby is still good footy because you’ve got the Australian and Kiwi players, but they haven’t got the exposure to all the other players from other countries.

“South Africa have hit the jackpot. They left because of SANZAAR, but their teams have gotten better and better. The Stormers played the first year in the URC and won the competition.

“Super Rugby’s maybe suffering, I don’t know how long it’s going to be around. The level’s still there, but I believe the Top 14 is ahead.”