By WYNNE GRAY
Rugby's global season is coming under scrutiny once more.
Among the navel-gazing proposals discussed by the International Rugby Board this week, the game's rulers also agreed to an independent analysis of international schedules.
"Not so long ago this sort of thing looked very unlikely, but now it has got a
lot of traction," said New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Chris Moller.
"The other important issue is that it will be completed by an independent third party, because if we all did it ourselves, there would be enormous parochial interest."
Moller did not know if it was possible to have a rugby year that suited all nations. But he was pleased the topic would be tackled properly by an autonomous group.
Moller said Sanzar did not discuss the Pasifika concept for a combined Pacific Islands team during their time at the IRB meetings this week.
"There was no opportunity because we first needed to talk to IRB officials about what went on," he said.
Sanzar wanted to speak to Cullen Sports, the company behind the Pasifika concept, this week.
It was difficult to gauge when a broadcasting deal might be completed for whatever became of the Super 12 competition in 2006.
"It depends on the options involved and agreement about the specific values involved," Moller said.
News Corp was keen to sort out a new deal this year, but there was no deadline and still too many unresolved issues.
