As SANZAR looks to improve and expand Super Rugby, a suggestion has emerged that Super Rugby could be split into two conferences in a fashion similar to the NBA with the South African and possibly new Argentine sides in one conference and Australia, New Zealand and Japanese sides in another conference. Teams on either side would only play each other in the Final.
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| South Africa is pushing for the Lions and Kings to be in Super Rugby |
SARU is firmly behind the idea on the eve of the promotion/relegation playoff series between the Lions and Kings as it would mean both teams would be playing Super Rugby. It would also appease SARU who have been the most vocal in wanting to split from SANZAR in recent times.
The Australian and New Zealand sides also seem keen on the idea as it could possibly see a huge reduction in travel miles and over many time zones - something that they have to do right now to South Africa each year and is proving a player welfare killer.
The split would occur in 2016 and could look like this -
Western Conference (8 teams) -
SOUTH AFRICA - Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, Lions, Kings, Cheetahs
ARGENTINA - 2 sides from Argentina?
Eastern Conference (10 teams) -
AUSTRALIA - Force, Rebels, Brumbies, Waratahs, Reds
NEW ZEALAND - Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders, Highlanders
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