Super Rugby bosses have branded a report that three more South African teams are set to withdraw from the competition to play in Europe as "simply wrong".
The Durban‑based Sharks have been named as the first to leave the current Super set‑up to join the European PRO14 competition for 2019 and 2020, according to a report in Wales Online.
The Cheetahs and Kings, who were cut from the down‑sized Super Rugby last year, already play in the competition which includes teams form Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
The report said that the Lions and Stormers would likely follow suit by at least the start of the 2020/21 season.
But Sanzaar said the report was unfounded and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina remained committed to future participation.
Despite the Lions making the Super Rugby final last year, South Africa's franchises are understood to feel they are handicapped due to the different time zones.
Sanzaar says their long‑term planning is important and transparent as they consider their options moving forward in an increasingly competitive market.
If the move is true, it could fulfill Fiji’s quest to field a team in the Super Rugby.
The Fiji Rugby Union had also mentioned that Fiji’s involvement in the National Rugby Championship is a step closer to field in a Super Rugby team when the time is right.
Source:stuff.co
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