Sanzaar plots 10 year plan and more change in 2018 as major review begins
Super Rugby's controversial format will be retained until the end of next year but Sanzaar is promising a thorough review with more change likely in 2018.
After drifting along without any firm long term vision, Sanzaar has hired a consultancy firm and over the next six months will map out its 10 year strategic vision (2016-2225).
A major part of that process will involve a critical look at the conference style structures and Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos says everything from expansion into new territories to reduction of teams in some countries are options on the table.
A yet-to-be announced consultancy company will work with the respective Sanzaar national unions, Super Rugby franchises, broadcasters and commercial partners before signing off a clear direction at the end of this year. Regaining some of the compromised integrity and credibility of this competition should also be a focus.
Expressions of interest for potential new teams will then be sought, with Marinos expecting bids from South America, North America, other parts of Asia and Europe.
Given their comparative lack of player depth and commercial success, Australia shapes as the obvious country to drop one of their five teams if that pathway is genuinely explored.
"You've got to be open-minded when you go into a process," Marinos said.
"Is it a continual expansion? Is it an expansion in two conferences? Is it a reduction and creating a two tier system? There's a whole lot of different permutations one has to consider as you go through a process like this if you want to get the best result.
"Certain countries may reduce and some may retain or expand.
"If you want to be fair to the fans and people who are supporting us you've to look at all options. You can't just look at only one option about expanding further."
Despite widespread criticism over the performances of Japan's Sunwolves, the Port Elizabeth-based Kings and underwhelming effort of Argentina's Jaguares in year one, Sanzaar remains committed to the 18-team competition for now.
"We've singed broadcast agreements for that. But we're saying if, during the next five years, we believe there is an alternative model we will certainly have a very good look at that. But for the 2016/2017 season I wouldn't envision there being any changes to the model we've got.
"But we are wanting to get a better structure going forward.
"To try put a new team up in 2017 you're not giving them enough time to prepare. You need at least 12 to 18 months to identify the opportunity and then make sure the high performance and commercial models can underpin it.
"We've seen the consequence of not having all that up and ready at the start of this year with all the disruption and change, particularly in Japan and with the Kings.
"2018 for me is more achievable should we look to expand."
The Pacific Islands are likely to remain out in the cold by further expansion, unless the Asia Pacific Dragons regain a foothold in Singapore convince they tick all the boxes.
Backed by Eric Series, the chairman of Samoa Water and investor in the Chiefs, the Dragons were overlooked in favour of the Sunwolves this year.
Pressed on Pacific Island representation, Marinos reiterated familiar financial concerns.
"I know there's a fair amount of interest coming out of the Pacific Islands and I think an amalgamation or looking at putting a couple of them together would certainly tick the box from a competitive and high performance point of view so we'll have a good look at that.
"It's a challenge as it is with the geography we've got and the multiple time zones.
"Instinctively I'd say playing out of Fiji, Tonga or Papua New Guinea as a base would probably be problematic but you've got to build the commercial model and do the feasibility study."
As the Super Rugby season moves past the halfway point attention gradually turns to the finals structure that will disadvantage several dominant Kiwi teams this year. It's increasingly likely four New Zealand teams - the Highlanders, Chiefs, Crusaders and Hurricanes - and one Australian outfit will qualify for the playoffs.
But, because the four conference winners are guaranteed home advantage, three Kiwi teams will be pushed down the table and be forced to travel.
"When you look at the finals series it is a challenge; it is tricky especially with the consistent performances out of the New Zealand teams. Some of those teams aren't going to make the playoffs and because of the format we've adopted it may result in teams with higher points not getting into the finals series.
"It's just one of those realities of the competition structure we're operating under but I think the best team will get the final rewards."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...-review-begins
