South African Rugby Union debates Twenty20 plan

June 29, 2010

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has met Rassie Erasmus, the former Springbok flanker, to discuss his plan for a new Twenty20-style form of the game.

Erasmus’ idea for the new format, which would be the equivalent of Twenty20 cricket with shorter halves and amended rules, has been influenced by the hugely successful Indian Premier League (IPL).

The panel have confirmed that any new tournament would need backing from SARU, and is now set to report back to its member unions, SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia Rugby) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).

A SARU statement said: “A delegation from the South African Rugby Union met the developers of a proposed new rugby competition in East London on Sunday (27June).

“The five-man SARU delegation received a formal presentation from Rassie Erasmus and Frikkie Erasmus on a proposal to hold a pre-season rugby tournament in South Africa in January 2012.

“Mr Oregan Hoskins, the President of SARU, made it clear at the meeting that any such tournament would require the sanction of SARU before it could be held.”