Super 14 stadium conundrum in SA
February 02 2010
South African Rugby Union president Oregan Hoskins is to meet with 2010 World Cup chiefs amid concerns over the prospect of staging the Super 14 final on South African soil later this year.
This year's Super 14 final is scheduled for May 29, the day after football's world governing body FIFA are due to take control of all the grounds used for the World Cup - many of which are home to Super Rugby teams.
The venue for the Super 14 final is decided by the highest-seeded team to reach the showpiece event, with that honour last year going to South African side the Blue Bulls.
A repeat scenario in 2010 would cause logistical problems for FIFA, and Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of the World Cup organising committee, has requested a meeting with SARU to discuss the potential clash.
"Danny Jordaan has asked for a meeting with me because I understand he has some reservations about the common use of stadiums and the logistics around that," Hoskins told The Times.
"I think that soccer is trying to find a solution to what could be a logistical issue if one of our sides hosted the Super 14 final.
"Stadiums have to be clear of non FIFA-approved signage and they have to be set up for football matches, and there could be a clash with time-frames.
"I get a sense they need more time."
South African officials are already trying to find a venue for the international Test against France on June 12, which was due to be held in Cape Town, and are thought to be considering a switch to London's Wembley Stadium.