‘Tough decisions’ taken by Sanzaar says Tew

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew was tight-lipped on Super Rugby’s future but admits ‘tough decisions’ were made at a Sanzaar meeting held in London this month.

The future of New Zealand’s five franchises are all but confirmed, but Australia and South Africa face the prospect of losing one, maybe two teams when Sanzaar goes public with its revamped format for 2018.

Tew said he was confident the decision made on Super Rugby’s future was good for the competition and for NZ Rugby, with the current confusing conference system set for a shake-up.

But he did express his sympathy for teams whose futures hang in the balance, which include the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs from South Africa and three Australian teams: the Brumbies, the Melbourne Rebels and the Western Force.

‘‘Some tough decisions have been taken but they require consultation and sign off by a couple of parties,’’ Tew said.

‘‘We would all have empathy for anyone that’s subject to a change process.

‘‘It’s never easy for anyone but from time to time, it is necessary to make tough decisions and you just have to work your way through those as fairly as you can.’’

Tew revealed NZ Rugby were still waiting on final confirmation on Super Rugby’s future from Sanzaar but was adamant he could say no more.

, but conflicting reports since have suggested otherwise.

‘‘I’m not going to be the leak. People are working hard to get everything done as fast as they can,’’ Tew said. ‘‘The sooner we can get it done the better, but it is largely out of our hands.’’

The Sunwolves and the Jaguares appear to be safe after joining the competition for 2016, with the Kings’ addition extending it from 15 to 18 teams.

But the Kings face the chop after winning just three matches since their return to Super Rugby last year, which was also beset by financial problems.

Australian might not retain its five teams.