19 Mar 2009

South African rugby 'won't be bullied' over Super 14

3:53 pm on 19 March 2009

South Africa has warned the New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions not to bully them in talks over an expanded Super 14 competition.

The SARU also still wants a sixth franchise.

Australia wants an extra team which would mean the three SANZAR nations would have five teams each.

But South Africa want its Eastern Cape franchise, which will be launched in June, to be a 15th team. The area has a strong tradition of black rugby.

There is also disagreement within SANZAR about when the season should start and how long it should run.

SARU acting managing director Andy Marinos has not ruled out the possibility of South Africa breaking ties with SANZAR and looking to Europe for competition after 2010 when an agreement with News Corp expires.