SANZAR rejects scheduling criticism

SANZAR Chief Executive Greg Peters has defending the scheduling of the Super Rugby and Tri-Nations competitions during this World Cup year, stating the events were crucial in ensuring the financial wellbeing of member unions.

SANZAR, the collective grouping of the South Africa, New Zealand and Australia rugby unions, is responsible for the operation of the sport's two major events in the southern hemisphere. While the international Tri-Nations competition was shortened from nine to six games this year, Super Rugby was expanded to 15 clubs and 21 weeks leading to criticism surrounding the issue of player burnout.

New Zealand is set to host the 2011 World Cup from 9th September to 23rd October, with the gruelling schedule imposed on southern hemisphere players has caused concern. Peters admitted the situation isn't ideal, but added schedule development is a delicate balancing act.

Peters told reporters "we hear the concerns about player welfare and it is of major importance.

"However, because there are no June in-bound tests in a World Cup year the SANZAR unions would have suffered significant losses without the money from the Tri-Nations. The economic reality is Super Rugby also drives revenue into the three countries and their franchises, and is an important business model for them too. It's the scheduling and the time of our southern hemisphere season that makes it difficult. The question is where we should position these competitions."

Peters is currently visiting the three countries to assess the success of the revamped 2011 Super Rugby competition, and added "we've sold this format to the broadcasters for five years, so there won't be any fundamental changes and neither should there be after just one year of a new competition. There may be some small changes, but the fundamental goal of SANZAR is securing financial success and growing crowds and fan appeal. I'd say the new format gets an A+ in Australia and a pass mark in the other two countries."

16th February 2011 - SANZAR DEDICATES FIRST ROUND OF SUPER RUGBY TO SUPPORTING DISASTER RELIEF