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SANZAR reject T20 concept

Johannesburg - SANZAR will not support or endorse the Twenty20-style rugby tournament concept as proposed by individuals in South Africa as reported in various media in recent weeks.

Current SANZAR CEO Steve Tew, said SANZAR's representatives have met with the promoters of the competition to better understand what was envisaged and because they are always open to any ideas that might help promote rugby in the three countries.

"We were told we would then receive a formal proposal and this has not happened.

"However, having considered the concept and the way in which it has been developed; SANZAR has decided it has no interest in any further discussion of the proposed competition."

Tew said the SANZAR Unions had discussed the concept with its Super Rugby teams and the feedback was overwhelmingly negative due to the potential impact on the preparation of teams for Super Rugby in 2012.

SANZAR is also concerned about the impact on player welfare given the period identified for the alternative competition is the main rest and conditioning period for the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies players.

"We do not see any benefits for SANZAR and we have also expressed our strong disappointment to those involved that approaches were made to players in the SANZAR countries without the courtesy of informing the SANZAR member unions in advance," Tew said.

The International Rugby Board executive committee and management have also declined to support the proposal.

All rugby competitions require the prior approval of the game's world governing body.

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