WEDNESDAY, 1.30PM:
SANZAR has agreed to consider two more teams in rugby’s Super 12 competition in 2000, but agreed that the format should stay the same. A feasibility study, which will be conducted for 2000 and beyond, was announced on Wednesday.
South Africa suggested inclusion of an extra team for the 1998 competition, and Australia had also sought inclusion of an additional Australian team in 2 to 3 years.
The study will look at key issues such as introducing new teams and preserving the quality of the competition.
New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) chief executive officer David Moffett said: “NZRFU has previoulsy outlined its opposition to an increase. However, we feel it is appropriate that a feasiblity study is undertaken, such that if our concerns are able to be overcome, then we could possibly see an increase in the Super 12 by the year 2000.”
Australian Rugby Union CEO John O’Neill said the timing of the study will give them enough time to assess whether they can afford an extra team.
Meanwhile, the board has also decided that the red and yellow card system will come into effect next year. Neutral referees will also be used for the first time.