Southern hemisphere nations offer support to rugby unions

The rugby unions of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia today voiced their support for the six senior European Unions in the Heineken Cup dispute.

The unions, known collectively as the SANZAR unions, believe its governance should rest with national unions under the guidance of the International Rugby Board.

SANZAR said that it is closely watching the current situation involving the French and English clubs but maintains that competitions should continue to be conducted under the auspices of the national unions.

"The National Unions are the only bodies set up to govern the game at all levels, from the community level up, within their respective territories," said a spokesperson. "Any watering down of this position only serves to threaten the strong status of rugby internationally."