Super Rugby: SANZAAR still searching for answers

The new format, which was put into action this year, received widespread criticism from coaches and fans alike during the course of the tournament. The tournament is structured with four different conferences – two South African conferences, which included the Jaguares from Argentina and the Sunwolves from Japan; and one conference each from Australia and New Zealand respectively.

An Executive Committee meeting and a 2016 Super Rugby season review took place in Sydney over the last two days with SANZAAR hosting over 80 stakeholder representatives. 

"The aim of the meetings this week was to ensure we examine the first year of the new 18-team Super Rugby tournament and take on-board feedback from the coaches and CEO's who are at the coal face of the competition," said SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos.

"Discussions took place on many aspects of the tournament including, but not limited to, tournament structure and finals series, travel, broadcasting, tournament rules, match officiating, judicial and the 2017 match schedule."

"This continuous review and feedback process is an essential part of our structure as we aim to ensure we deliver a compelling and action-packed tournament in 2017. It was also the perfect time to update everyone on the strategic plan that has the aim of mapping out the long-term future of SANZAAR by examining three core areas: the structure of competitions; the commercial structure; and the governance model.”

"A number of potential options were considered in line with the feedback that we have received through our series of consultations between May and July. We have requested further analysis and inputs from Accenture as an outcome of the workshop," added Marinos.

SANZAAR will announce the 2017 Super Rugby match schedule for the regular 17-round season on Tuesday, September 20.