SANZAR rejects T20-style rugby competition

The southern hemisphere rugby group SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) has rejected proposals for a new Twenty20-style competition planned for South Africa.

The concept was conceived by former Springbok Rassie Erasmus, and is an attempt to mirror the success of the hugely popular Twenty20 cricket format. It would have seen shorter matches with amended rules to increase excitement.

SANZAR chief executive Steve Tew said: “SANZAR’s representatives met with promoters of the competition so as to better understand what was envisaged and because we are always open to any ideas that might help promote rugby in our three countries.

“We were told we would then receive a formal proposal and this has not happened. However, having considered the concept and the way in which it has been developed, SANZAR has decided it has no interest in any further discussion of the proposed competition.

“We do not see any benefits for SANZAR and we have also expressed our strong disappointment to those involved that approaches were made to players in the SANZAR countries without the courtesy of informing the SANZAR member unions in advance.”