Marinos: SA Rugby committed to Super 14

South African Rugby has moved quickly to quash rumours the country is considering ending its involvement in the Super 14 to join the European-based Magners League.

It was reported last weekend the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, Cheetahs and Lions would all be withdrawn from the southern hemisphere competition – which also features teams from Australia and New Zealand – when the SANZAR broadcast agreement expires next year.

The reports also suggested Australia and New Zealand have contingency plans in place for 2011, but South African Rugby Union acting managing director, Andy Marinos, has described the talk as “speculation”.

“There is not a jot of truth in this speculation and we wouldn’t normally even bother responding to such a story,” he said.

“But as it has now grown via the internet from speculation from one source in Australasia to a real possibility in websites across Europe, we thought rugby supporters would like the record put straight.

“So let me put it quite plainly: we have had no informal or formal discussions with the Magners League – or any European-based leagues for that matter – about deserting our SANZAR partners and playing in a northern hemisphere-based tournament. And nor do we have any plans to hold such discussions.”

Marinos also pointed out the three countries were in talks to further expand what has become one of the leading club competitions in world rugby.

He added: “We remain committed to SANZAR and are taking a full part in discussions looking at the possible expansion of the tournament – a desire we share with our Australian and New Zealand partners.

“SANZAR’s tournaments are vibrant, hugely popular with our supporters of the very highest rugby quality and remain central to our forward planning.”