Super Rugby poised to take on Argentinian team

Super Rugby is poised to move forward with a four-conference model in 2016 –

with two based in South Africa, including Argentinian and Asian teams.

The Australian Rugby Union chief executive, Bill Pulver, has revealed the announcement

of an expanded and restrucured model to take to broadcasters is only a

fortnight away. On the eve of an important meeting with provincial chief

executives, Pulver has backed a Super 18 model for 2016 where Australian and

New Zealand conferences would remain the same.

Australia’s five teams would play two fewer “local derby” matches

in a 15-game regular season but would strengthen their Anzac ties by increasing

their four matches against Kiwi rivals to five.

Significant changes will be made in South Africa with their six teams,

including the recalled Southern Kings, put in two pools with a new Argentinian

team and a final side, which the ARU hopes will be based in the Asian market.

Those two four-team conferences – including an overseas expansion team in

each – will only face one of the two Australasian conferences each year, which

reduces fears of an increase in travel.

“It’s likely to be a four-conference model and this will be finalised

in the next couple of weeks to be announced,” Pulver said.

While the ARU chief executive is supporting Sanzar’s in-principle expansion

plans, they’re unlikely to be applauded by his provincial counterparts. Pulver

has been under pressure from the franchises and the players’ association to

pull Australia out of South Africa-driven plans to increase Super Rugby from 15

teams to 17 or 18.

Pressure for more black participation saw SARU demand the Port

Elizabeth-based Kings, who were relegated last season, be reinstated for good. With

South Africa providing almost half of the broadcast revenue, governing body Sanzar

has listened to their powerful voice, and New Zealand are opposed to breaking

the partnership.

Plans for fewer local derbies in Australia – dropping from eight to six, and

meaning one fewer home game every second year – has upset state officials who

believe it will see them go bust.

Pulver said he understood the concerns but backed the proposed changes as

the best model to improve the competition and importantly boost broadcasting

revenue.

“I’m more than happy to go along with it,” he said. “I think

it will be a terrific structure for the game.”

The Queensland Rugby Union chief executive, Jim Carmichael, hopes Australian

officials remain open-minded about expansion plans to ensure the best result

for the cash-strapped code.

“We don’t have a preferred model, as yet. We have a preferred position,

and that is not to prejudice Australian interests in the competition moving

forward,” Carmichael said. “I’m OK to come to the table and hear alternative

views as long as we are able to review those and ensure it ultimately delivers

for Australian rugby.”

While the Reds, NSW Waratahs and Brumbies are unhappy about the loss of

derby matches, Pulver said less was more for the Melbourne Rebels and Western

Force.

“In Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra they work very well,” he said.

“In Melbourne and Perth those two franchises aren’t too excited in home

derbies.”

Article source: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/dec/29/rugby-union-premiership-roundup-harlequins-saracens

Super Rugby poised to take on Argentinian team