South Africa may withdraw from the Super 14 rugby competition after 2010, leaving room for a Japanese team, while Argentina could join an expanded Tri-Nations, reports said on Saturday.
Support is flagging for the Super 14 provincial series in South Africa and there is a strong push for major changes to both competitions after the current Sanzar participation agreement runs out, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper said.
The newspaper said the changes could be reality within a few years with influential Australian rugby officials receptive to the proposals.
”Australian officials know that their South African counterparts are gradually losing interest in the Super 14, and for some time have been keen to align with European competitions — especially as it is in virtually the same time zone and involves less travel,” the report said.
The newspaper said South African officials have complained their Super 14 teams are severely disadvantaged as they must spend extensive time on the road, while their players struggle to stay motivated during the lengthy tournament.
South Africa’s poor record has not helped local interest in the competition, prompting Australian officials to hear their Sanzar partners are looking for alternatives, the Herald said.
There were reports before the Sanzar deal was extended last year that South Africa would depart from the then Super 12 for Europe.
”South African officials have told me they’re not keen on the Super 14, because the provinces see better value going up north. But they remain keen on the Tri-Nations,” one Australian Rugby Union (ARU) official told the Herald.
The newspaper said South Africa’s interest in the Tri-Nations reflects the intense traditional Test rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
South Africa have also been successful in the Tri-Nations — winning it in 1998 and 2004 — and have developed an often tense relationship with the Wallabies.
But the newspaper said South African and Australian officials realise the Tri-Nations needs to be revitalised, boosting Argentina’s push for inclusion.
If the Tri-Nations were expanded, Argentina might base themselves in South Africa, obviating the need for other teams to travel to Argentina for matches.
Australia has improved its rugby relations with Japan, with officials at the ARU believing that part of the rugby world holds promise in other areas, particularly financially. This was behind Australia’s push for Japan to stage the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Key ARU officials have been invited to Tokyo next month for celebrations for the Japan Rugby Union’s 80th anniversary, including a match between the Australian Prime Minister’s XV, involving six Wallabies, and Japan in Tokyo on November 4. — Sapa-AFP