South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins says that he is hopeful that South Africa, Australia and New Zealand (SANZAR) will be able resolve the impasse in the expansion plans of the Super 14 to a Super 15 when the three parties meet in Dublin next week.
Talks between the SANZAR partners have broken down so they will meet in Dublin with the IRB in order to find common ground before their June 30 deadline when they have to submit their plans to the broadcasters.
Hoskins says that he believes that a resolution will be reached but added that SA Rugby have made no plans nor have they discussed joining or establishing a competition with teams in the northern hemisphere.
Hoskins’s comments come on the back of harsh criticism from Australian rugby chief John O’Neill, who is eager to see another team added to Super Rugby and for the tournament to be played from March to July/August and through June when the Northern Hemisphere teams usually tour.
Playing the Super 15 would take South African stars out of the Currie Cup and it would have a knock on effect on the Currie Cup which South Africa are determined to protect.
“We have not been discussing any other alternative competition with third parties other than Sanzar”, Hoskins told The Mercury.
” I’m still positive we will be able to resolve our differences”
Speaking on a South African rugby programme Boots and All on Thursday night SARugby’s acting MD Andy Marinos explained that if South Africa were forced to join Northern Hemisphere tournament they would more than likely have to sit out of a rugby tournament in 2011 and 2012.
Marinos pointed out that not playing rugby in 2011 could work in their favour as it is a world cup year but then 2012 would be a “hiatus” for rugby in South Africa as the Heineken Cup and the Magners League and the like are all in place until 2013.
