SANZAAR’s Boss Admitted They Lost Control

 

SANZAAR's boss Andy Marinos admitted that they are not in control anymore.

Marinos acknowledged that the competition’s future does not lie in Sanzaar's hands – “That is a question for New Zealand Rugby ... we co-ordinate on behalf of the unions and there are different views among the Sanzaar partners around what could be possible going forward” – and that ultimately Covid-19 and border restrictions will have a major say.

Marinos said that he still believes in the worth of the Sanzaar alliance, and said the Australian proposal for a Super Eight competition would at least maintain some links between the SANZAAR nations. The Australian proposal proposes that 2 teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, one from Argentina and one from Japan play each other at the end of the domestic competitions in the various countries.

“I think so [that it could work],” he said. “It is more so to keep the strength of the Sanzaar alliance intact.

“I do believe that having had the benefit of experiencing it, from the other side of the white line [as a player], it does set you up and prepare you for the next level of international rugby.”

“[A lot] of the permutations are going to be driven by what border controls are in place,” he said.

“If border movement is less restricted and we can open up, it does provide a lot more opportunity.
“...[but] we are getting very strong indications that borders are not going to be open, or as freely accessible, in the first quarter of next year.”