Lifeline may yet save the day for axed sides
THE two South African teams set to get the boot out of Super Rugby could be absorbed elsewhere in international competitions.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander told the Daily Dispatch that the yet to be determined franchises will not be deprived international competition once Super Rugby’s boundaries are redrawn.
“We are looking at options‚” said Alexander.
“We have options available to us.
“These are things we have to explore because we cannot afford our franchises not to be playing in international competitions.”
He was coy about revealing specific competitions.
“We can look at Europe‚ we can look at North America.
“The important thing is that these teams play in competitions.”
The least disruptive option would be for the Super Rugby outcasts to be lumped with the Pro12‚ the predominantly Celtic competition for club teams from Ireland‚ Scotland and Wales.
Two Italian teams were added to the 2010-11 competition which since the 2013-14 season carries the added carrot of European Champions Cup qualification.
Asked whether SA Rugby was considering entering teams in the Pro12 Alexander said: “Maybe a Pro14‚ maybe another Top 14‚ I don’t know.”
SA Rugby’s options in North America appear limited. international
An attempt by Professional Rugby Organisation (PRO Rugby) to launch the first professional rugby union competition in North America proved shortlived last year.
The five-team competition launched in April last year but fell flat by January after Rugby Canada opted not to sanction teams under its aegis to play in the tournament.
Sanzaar’s decision to cull three teams from Super Rugby has met with stubborn resistance from the teams most likely to be shown the door.
“People say it will be the Cheetahs and the Kings‚ but nothing has been determined‚” said Alexander.
“Who says it can’t be any of the other sides?” he asked.
In Australia‚ the Western Force and the Melbourne Rebels have explored legal options to retain their position in Super Rugby.
The Rebels are privately owned and there have been calls to block any attempt by the Australian Rugby Union to buy it back. — TMG