SANZAR postponed an expansion of the Super Rugby finals series until 2010 during a teleconference on Tuesday.
The decision came after partners were unable to agree on a format for the planned six-team playoffs.
SANZAR officials also confirmed the 2009 Super 14 and Tri Nations series would continue to trial sanctions as part of the ELVs package for both tournaments.
This move is in accordance with the IRB's approval in May for SANZAR to extend the experimentation process and allow the use of extra ELVs in addition to the 13 that have been on global trial since August 1 this year.
"These were major issues with major implications in the different markets and we could not reach a consensus on either issue," said Andy Marinos, the acting managing director of SA Rugby, who doubles as the SANZAR MD on a rotational basis.
"We would all like to have gone to a six-team play-off series in 2009 and accepted that principle at our July meeting in Perth, but we could not agree on the play-off structure that was to be adopted and, in the interests of SANZAR, we opted to remain with the status quo."
Marinos also said the SANZAR partners were unable to agree a common approach on the ELVs and opted for the status quo.
"SANZAR was given IRB approval in May to further trial an expanded form of the ELVs and after reflection we have re-committed to that principle as an organisation," said Marinos.
"The ELVs as applied in the Tri-Nations will continue into the 2009 SANZAR competitions - we're smart enough and professional enough as rugby nations to adapt when we have to."
The Super 14 will kick-off on the weekend of February 13/14 .and the fixtures for the 2009 season will be issued in due course.
ISSUED BY SANZAR
No comments:
Post a Comment