16 Aug 2010

South Africa to pull out of SANZAR?

7:33 am on 16 August 2010

A report in a South African newspaper says the South African Rugby Union will look at its options and may break away from the SANZAR alliance because of the damaged relationship it has with Australia and New Zealand.

The Sunday Times newspaper says the South African Rugby Union has already discussed the issue with board chairman Jan Marais, saying they want to look elsewhere when the current deal runs out in 2015.

That could mean the end of their participation in Super Rugby and the expanded Tri-nations competition, which is set to include Argentina.

Relations between SARU and SANZAR partners Australia and New Zealand have been strained for a few years and it almost came to a head last year when the three countries were trying to finalise a new broadcasting deal.

This year the Springboks management have been upset with the way the referee's have officiated their matches against the All Blacks.