He said yesterday Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan had "harmed" all 12 teams in the competition with his recent comments.
McLennan was reported last week as saying "all bets were off" for Rugby Australia following the expiration of the current Super Rugby deal in 2023, and that a breakaway might be necessary for Australia to maximise its commercial opportunities.
"All 12 clubs are in the same position," Clark said.
"Comments like Hamish’s have harmed all 12 clubs and the future.
"It’s a little bit sad, because it’s pretty obvious it’s a cash grab."
Super Rugby has been battered in recent years thanks to Covid, the removal of South African, Japanese and Argentine teams, and a good dose of politicking behind the scenes.
Clark hinted at some frustration that, while the competition had taken some steps to get humming again, it was still being criticised.
"The 12 clubs are fully committed to making sure this is the best competition it can be.
"I think it showed this year, with the Australians being a lot more competitive and with the influence of the two Pacific Island teams, that this can be an exciting competition.
"So our focus, as the 12 clubs, is to ensure we get our national unions behind it instead of knocking it all the time."
