Rugby: Sanzar face more problems over bid

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There appears to be more problems than solutions to Japan's Super Rugby bid and Sanzar bosses are collecting way more questions than answers in their attempts to fix things.

While Japan have been confirmed as Sanzar's preferred bidder, victory is not yet assured. There is still no guarantee Tokyo will be awarded the 18th franchise from 2016.

Fundamental issues such as how players will be contracted and who will pay for them are still unresolved.

Not all of the 14 professional clubs have signed a document agreeing to release players for Super Rugby and, while Japan is the world's third-largest economy, there's diminishing confidence the money is available to fund the proposed new team.

The clubs are believed to be reluctant to give their blessing for several reasons. They want clarity about the proposed structure of player contracts.

The basic premise is that the new team in Japan will be made up of domestic players from the Top League, some foreign players from the Top League and possibly a handful of others who are contracted just by the new Super Rugby team.

If players with an existing Top League contract want to play for the Super Rugby team as well, will they be paid extra for that and, if so, who will fund it? Secondly, how many foreign players already in Japan are going to be interested in playing for the Super Rugby team?

Most New Zealanders play in Japan for three reasons: they are paid well, play fewer games and are sick of Super Rugby.

If there aren't many foreign stars keen to give it a go, Japan's Super Rugby team could be horribly short of quality.

Some stakeholders in Super Rugby are beginning to wonder if Sanzar should give up their plans to have an 18th franchise in Asia and start work on a valid Plan B.

But it's late to be considering a different format, as the one proposed can't be neatly reworked if there are fewer than 18 teams. Some of South Africa's concerns about travel have been eliminated by Japan's concession they will play some games in Singapore.

The current format includes a new team from Argentina and it wouldn't be obvious how that side could be accommodated in a 17-team format, which is why Sanzar will persevere with the Japanese bid until they are satisfied there are solutions to the various problems.

It may be that Sanzar have to second experienced personnel to work inside the Japanese bid to win the support of the clubs and deliver the assurances everyone needs.

Other leagues that have built teams in new venues have made major commitments to ensure success. Sanzar will have to do the same - make a 10-year commitment to Japan which includes advisory and financial support.

Japan might be the preferred bidder but are still a long way from being granted the licence.