Super Rugby Set To Lose Two Franchises
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Super Rugby looks set to lose two franchises next summer.
The southern hemisphere tournament is currently under review by governing body SANZAAR and looks set to lose one Australian and one South African franchise next season.
This is according to a South African report quoting Cheetahs boss Harold Verster. The report on Afrikaans language website Netwerk24 claims that SANZAAR will reduce the five nation competition from 18 to 16 teams.
Verster says the Cheetahs have been given assurances that they will be safe, presumably leaving the Southern Kings in troubel. The Force, Rebels and Brumbies are the Australian clubs facing a nervous wait following SANZAAR’s meeting in London on Friday.
“All I can say is that we are safe,” chief executive Verster said.
“I keep my ear to the ground.
“There is much discussion about the current series and the format and two teams of South Africa and a team of Australia (getting culled).
“There was even speculation that we would return to a Super 12, but my information is that we are going to be reduced from the current 18 to 16 teams, which means the Cheetahs are safe.”
During SANZAAR’s Friday meetings in London, New Zealand Rugby reportedly pushed for a reduction in poorly performing South African and Australian sides.