Brumbies give SANZAR no-confidence vote
October 30 2008
The Brumbies have called for a new body to take over administration of the Super 14 and Tri-Nations after the fiasco surrounding the planned expansion of the Super 14 play-offs and the ongoing feud over the ELVs.
The South African, Australian and New Zealand parties could not agree on a format for the new play-offs, with South Africa wanting them geographically-based and Australia and New Zealand wanting it based purely on merit.
A split decision is not adoptable under the SANZAR administrative agreement.
Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said the decision was "retrograde" and highlighted the shortcomings of the governance model.
"This shows how ineffective it is. While all of us wanted a six-team series, the failure to agree on it means we've effectively taken a step backwards," Fagan told the Canberra Times.
"The sooner we move to an administration that is free of local interference the better.
"We need an administration like the NRL and the AFL, where clubs' interests are taken on board and then an administration has the authority to make decisions."
The expansion to a six-team finals series was seen as a way of reinvigorating the competition which has seen declines in crowd and TV audience figures.
Fagan said that SANZAR's decision kept the development of the competition at a standstill until 2010, when a new format could be adopted.
"When the decision was made in July, it was received positively by rugby followers because the benefits are quite clear.
"It keeps supporters interested for longer, gives another team a chance to host a final and that has financial benefits too."
There is also said to be unease in many quarters about the retention of the sanctions ELV, which awards free-kicks instead of penalties for many offences, as there is concern at the increased global split in the game it is causing.