Super Rugby set to undergo changes

Editor

SANZAAR are set to announce changes to Super Rugby with further details to be unveiled early in next week.

There has been speculation recently that the tournament will axe some teams after the tournament’s 18-team conference format, which was first used in 2016, received heavy criticism.

Under the conference format, teams with worse records than others are rewarded with home fixtures in the play-offs.

The SANZAAR executive committee (Exco) met in London on Friday to assess the economic and sporting environment under which its tournaments (Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship) are operating and to review the final steps of the strategic planning process that started in May last year.

Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos also revealed that there will be an update on the future of the organisation.

“Following two days of robust discussion there are a number of tournament considerations that now require further discussion and consultation,” he said.

“This includes final consultation within the National Unions and discussion with key stakeholders that would allow the adoption of changes proposed by the strategic plan.

“SANZAAR will make a formal statement on the future of the organisation, Super Rugby and the tournament format in the coming days once these further meetings have been concluded.”