SA Rugby has stated they will be examining how New Zealand’s proposed new competition would fit into the existing contracted competitions.

On Friday, New Zealand Rugby outlined plans to enter its five Vodacom Super Rugby sides into a new competition from 2021, which is set to exclude any South African sides.

READ: NZ Rugby plans to ditch SA, Argentina

However, it remains to be seen how this announcement is received by Sanzaar, with CEO Andy Marinos having regularly moved to insist that the organisation was not in line to be disbanded as competitions come under review.

In response to New Zealand’s announcement, SA Rugby also released a short statement.

‘The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive human impact and, in our sport, has asked fundamental questions of the viability of competitions and fixture scheduling.

‘SA Rugby has been kept abreast of the thinking in New Zealand and of the outcomes of the Aratipu Report to address the immediate challenges of travel restrictions that may stretch into 2021.

‘As part of the SANZAAR joint venture we will be examining how the mooted new competition will fit into the existing contracted competitions.’

Next week, SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux is set to host a media briefing where further details should be forthcoming

READ: SA Rugby should embrace change

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