SARU denies franchise ultimatum

The South African Rugby Union has refuted claims that five of its Super Rugby franchises are threatening to withdraw from the 2013 tournament if any of the five are not allowed to play because of the inclusion of a new franchise.

Reports amongst those interested in live sports betting over the weekend suggested that the Lions, the Stormers, the Bulls, the Sharks and the Cheetahs had sent a letter to SARU chairman Oregon Hoskins airing their grievances over ossible inclusion in the 2013 Super Rugby tournament of the Southern Kings, who were granted a franchise by the SARU in the hope that six South African teams would be allowed to enter.

Since then however SANZAR have ruled that out as a possibility, and maintain that only five South African entrants will compete in the 2013 edition of Super Rugby.

The governing body cited commercial deals already in place as one of the main reasons for not wanting to expand the competition next year, although they refused to rule out allowing extra entrants in seasons to come.

Now Jurie Roux, CEO of SARU, has denied claims that an ultimatum had been issued by any of the five franchises, saying they had all ‘pledged’ their support for the Southern King’s 2013 inclusion.

“No threat of a boycott was made,” said Roux. “But the franchises have made it plain that the only option to them is the expansion of Vodacom Super Rugby. They also pledged their support for the Kings’ inclusion in 2013 as well as for SARU’s efforts to persuade SANZAR to include a sixth South African franchise.”

Instead the SARU claim that after ‘lengthy discussions’ with the teams, both sides reached an agreement to safeguard the future of all six will play in 2013, with the Southern King’s inclusion guaranteed ‘without prejudice’ to the other teams.

“After lengthy discussions between the Franchises, we unanimously decided that it is imperative:
– That such inclusion will benefit South African rugby in general;
– That none of the existing franchises shall be prejudiced by such inclusion in any way whatsoever
– That none of the existing franchises shall be eliminated from the tournament in 2013 or at any stage thereafter as a result of the inclusion of the Kings
– That SARU as custodian of the South African leg of the tournament will ensure that the Kings are included without prejudice to any of the existing franchises.

Roux added: “The existing franchises will endeavour to provide all necessary assistance and support to SARU in its negotiations with SANZAR to ensure the inclusion of six South African franchises in 2013 onwards.”

However the likelihood of that agreement holding strong seems unlikely given SANZAR’s reiteration that it won’t be until 2015 at the earliest that new entrants into Super Rugby will be considered.

SANZAR CEO Greg Peters moved swiftly to pour cold water over the SARU’s hopes of six entrants, with Peters insisting one of the existing franchises would have to make way before the Southern Kings would be allowed to enter.

“The reality is that expansion of Super Rugby is not possible at this stage,” he commented.” Before their inclusion, the Kings’ aspirations were discussed in detail. How they are accommodated is a domestic issue for SA. And while we are always open to dialogue on this issue, it is incumbent upon them to make the necessary adjustments to facilitate the Kings’ inclusion.