13 Feb 2012

SARU says there is no threat of a boycott of Super Rugby

11:42 am on 13 February 2012

The South African Rugby Union says their five Super Rugby franchises have not threatened to boycott the competition.

A newspaper report alleged that the boycott threat was a part of a letter from the five franchises to Saru president, Oregan Hoskins.

The franchises are concerned that one of them will be excluded next year because of the inclusion of a new franchise.

The teams want the competition in 2013 increased to 16 teams if South African officials insist on including newcomers the Southern Kings from Eastern Cape, the province with the most black rugby players.

CEO Jurie Roux says there has been no threat of a boycott but the franchises have made it plain that the only option to them is the expansion of competition.