South Africa considering split from SANZAR

The governance of world rugby could be in for a shake up in the coming decade if the South African Rugby Union (SARU) follow through on plans to split from SANZAR, the body which oversee's the Tri-Nations and Super 14 competitions.

Relations between the SARU and their counterparts in New Zealand and Australia have become strained in recent years. Particularly in relation to a disputed broadcasting deal which was eventually signed in last year.

But events on the field this year have further antagonised the springbok federation. Particularly the spate of yellow cards received in matches against New Zealand which prompted head Coach Peter DeVilliers to first; question the wisdom of appointing northern hemisphere referees in the southern competition. DeVilliers subsequently questioned the integrity of the referees themselves. Suggesting a conspiracy existed to allow the All Blacks win their games as a way of attracting larger crowds when they host the 2011 World Cup.

"I've got my own observations about the last two tests" said the Springbok coach in July. "Maybe I can't say it in public. But, they do have a world cup in New Zealand next year and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people."

When SANZAR charged DeVilliers with misconduct for these comments, SARU president Oregan Hoskins described it as "a declaration of war" and now they have launched their retaliation. Speaking to Johannesburg's Sunday Times, SARU chairman Dr. Jan Marais signaled their unsettled state of mind: "We won't automatically opt for a renewal of the current deal."

That broadcasting deal means no changes will be made until 2015 but Marais has indicated that his union are already examining alternatives.

"We can't do anything about the current agreement because we are locked in until the contract expires. However, there is the strong feeling that we should at least look at possibilities we can explore at the conclusion of our current broadcasting deal."

Hoskins, despite his war cry, tried to pour cold water on the situation, hinting things may just carry on in the status quo:

"Tri Nations rugby is a robust game and we have robust conversations in the boardroom and occasionally knock each other down and have to pick each other up, dust ourselves off and get on with it."

"The bottom line is that this is the toughest rugby competition in the world and we're fully part of it with our neighbours."

"In that spirit, we'll be having discussions with New Zealand and Australia when they're over here and after that we'll get on with ensuring we continue to produce the best rugby tournaments in the world."