Big changes for provinces from test schedule reshuffle

Provincial rugby in New Zealand will change dramatically with the expansion of the Super 12 and the Tri-Nations, says Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Hamish Riach.

The board of Sanzar, representing the South African, New Zealand and Australian rugby unions, yesterday said two more teams would be added to Super 12 - one from Australia and one from South Africa - creating a Super 14 competition.


The Tri-Nations series will be expanded to three rounds of matches between the Springboks, Wallabies and All Blacks.

Riach said the unions were facing a double-edged sword, trying to protect their domestic game and at the same time the best broadcasting deal possible.

The expanded contests are part of Sanzar's proposal for renewing broadcast rights for five years after the 10-year agreement with News Corp expires at the end of next year.

Riach said Canterbury's fears of never again seeing a current All Black in the NPC seem to be materialising.

"Initially, we were told that the All Blacks would remain available when possible, but with these additional matches, it is hard to see those guys back in the NPC."

Sanzar has separated the NPC and Currie Cup television rights from the broadcasting deal so the New Zealand and South African unions can negotiate contracts for their domestic competitions.

Riach said the New Zealand Rugby Union had to get the best deal possible to make money to keep players in New Zealand.


Sanzar had done extensive research and held extensive discussions with all parties concerned and believed the proposal was "the best option available".

Riach believes the NPC will keep its charm.

"It will just look different, but it will still be incredibly exciting.

"Maybe you can compare it with the college basketball or football in the United States, which does not have the superstars but still attracts intense interest."

Despite the risk of losing nearly an entire team for All Black duty, Riach does not feel Canterbury will become victims of their own success.

"We hope that all our players become All Blacks and don't see that as a penalty.

"And don't forget, you can only pick so many players for the All Blacks, so there will always be plenty of high-profile players available."

News Corp has been asked to respond to Sanzar's offer within 30 days.


If Sanzar can't reach a deal with News, the proposal will be taken directly to broadcasters around the world.

Australian Rugby Union chief executive Gary Flowers said Sanzar had canvassed broadcasters from a number of countries and found they were very interested.

- NZPA

NPC fixtures, results and standings
Division One | Division Two |