Western Force may be linked with SA conference
AUSTRALIA’S Western Force, who have just landed a major sponsor, could be moved into a South African conference next year.
According to Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos, this will be one of the options on the table when Super Rugby chiefs meet next month to decide on the future of the competition.
Like the Southern Kings and Cheetahs, the Force are facing an uncertain future after speculation that the competition could be cut from 18 to 16 teams next year.
Speculation has surrounded the future of these teams since an independent review made recommendations including reducing the number of teams.
However, insiders say the current 18-team format is likely to remain in place until the end of the 2020 broadcast deal.
The Force have just received a A$1.5-million (R15.2-million) lifeline in a sponsorship deal with the Australian state government that sees the Road Safety Commission as their naming rights partner.
The front-of-jumper sponsorship is the biggest 12-month deal signed by an Australian Super Rugby franchise.
Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry said the deal put the club on a strong footing.
Western Force and Wallabies winger Dane Haylett-Petty said: “It’s massive for us. It secures our future and along with that it allows us to drive the message of road safety.”
When Sanzaar meet next month the season will be under way and this has heightened tensions.
Even at the meeting there may not be a final decision on the size of the league because there must be a unanimous vote for change.
Insiders say the situation could be further complicated as South Africa is unlikely to agree to any culling of teams.
It was at South Africa’s insistence that the Kings were reinstated last year and that contributed to Super Rugby’s expansion.
The most likely option is retention of the current format until the end of the 2020 broadcast deal, but Marinos said he could not predict any outcome.
He said some models, including the Force moving into a South African conference, were being discussed.
“Is a definitive decision going to come out in March? At this stage I can’t say,” Marinos said.
“Is it a 12-team competition, is it a 14-team competition, is it a 20-team competition, do we go straight for further expansion? “Status quo is a probability. “There must be a unanimous agreement around the table in the best interest of the competition.”