Super Rugby silence frustrating for Australian players

Rugby Union Players’ Association president Dean Mumm is disappointed at the lack of player input into any potential removal of an Australian Super Rugby franchise.

The NSW Waratahs and Wallabies stalwart also says the lack of transparency from SANZAAR, the competition’s ruling body, and the ARU is also frustrating.

Some 60 Australian players are stuck in limbo over the ongoing saga, with the ARU having placed a moratorium on any franchise signing contracts with non- Wallabies until the revamped 2018 competition format is revealed.

‘‘From a RUPA point of view, it’s pretty obvious where we stand. We’d love to see the five teams stay around,’’ Mumm said.

‘‘A frustrating element is the lack of consultation from the players in it. We’d love to have a say in it.

‘‘We understand why we don’t and the situation and the politics behind it.

‘‘But as a playing group, we’re thoroughly behind five teams and ensuring that everyone that plays in Australia gets the opportunity to play at a terrific level that is Super Rugby.

‘‘So I think this period of limbo is frustrating. It would be nice to know what’s going on and to get some communication about that.’’

Sanzaar officials met in London almost two weeks ago without coming to any resolution on the format for next year’s Super Rugby.

It’s been widely reported the tournament will be reduced from 18 teams to 15, with one Australian club to go, as well as two from South Africa.

Mumm’s Waratahs and the Queensland Reds are considered the only two Australian franchises safe from the chop.