S14 finals format set to expand

2008-07-18 09:23

Sydney - The heads of the Rugby Super 14 said on Friday they want to expand the finals of the championship from a top-four to a top-six playoff series from next year.

The board of Sanzar, representing the three nations included - South Africa, New Zealand and Australia - said it will put forward the proposal to those countries for consideration before implementation.

They also discussed ideas for alternative competition structures when Super Rugby is revamped - possibly from as early as 2010 - to expand the tournament from its current 14 teams.

Argentina, Pacific island nations and Japan have been linked to an expanded Super Rugby and Tri-Nations format.

The board acknowledged significant changes to the existing format would have an impact on the traditional Tri-Nations playing window used by Sanzar countries and may impact on other areas of the international schedule.

The broadcast deal that underwrites Super 14 is due to expire at the end of 2010.

The board said alternatives to the current Test schedule and the timing of internationals remain, like Super Rugby expansion, a work in progress.

The meeting, which included Sanzar chief executive and South Africa Rugby managing director Jonathan Stones, Australian Rugby Union managing director John O'Neill and New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew, concluded a three-day workshop in Perth.

- AFP