Rugby: Tew in talks over series alternative

New Zealand and Australia maintain they are committed to finding a Super rugby solution with South Africa, but acknowledge they are also discussing an alternative transtasman series.

The current Super rugby format ends next year and the three Sanzar countries only have until June 30 to detail their proposals for a renewed broadcasting deal with News Ltd and Supersport.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew admitted yesterday that discussions had reached such an impasse that the New Zealand and Australian unions met this week to discuss other schemes.

The problem is the in-bound international window in June which cuts across plans for an expanded Super series, prompting the NZRU and ARU to moot a split round-robin contest.

It was the "best of the imperfect solutions", Tew said. Super 14 sides would be expected to compete without their test players through two games and two byes in June.

South Africa wants to start the 2011 tournament in February so they do not disturb the June test window or their Currie Cup competition.

That early start is unacceptable to the New Zealand and Australian unions, who say the staggered start would put off fans and broadcasters.

It appeared Sanzar could reach an agreement but those resolutions became strained when South Africa took the ideas back to their provinces.

Discussion about starting a transtasman series had begun while there had also been strong interest from broadcasters and Japan, when they were drawn into discussions three weeks ago. Expansion beyond the Tasman into the United States or the Pacific Islands had to be weighed against global economic difficulties.

Tew said whatever the outcome, the Tri-Nations test series would continue in its annual format.

The Sanzar unions could not afford to stop hosting international teams, Tew said. In June the All Blacks play two tests against France and one against Italy. The gate and broadcasting revenues were a necessity, he said.

But he softened his concerns about the financial implications if South Africa left the Super series.

"It is probably not as scary," Tew said.

The Sanzar nations will next have a chance to discuss progress when they meet at the International Rugby Board meeting in Dublin in a fortnight.