Japan 'working very hard' to meet updated Super milestones, says Sanzar

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew. Photo / Nick Reed

Japan's chances of playing in next year's expanded Super Rugby series remain uncertain.

They are inked into a draw which has been shown to other sides, the broadcasters and financial partners and Sanzar hopes to make a more concrete announcement next week.

Until then Japan's involvement in an expanded Super 18 series is a maybe, maybe not situation.

Sanzar executives held another telephone hookup yesterday to talk through developments and NZR chief executive Steve Tew said they still needed more information from the Japanese franchise.

They were working "very hard" to take their spot in the 2016 competition alongside other new entrants from Argentina and South Africa.

Were Japan any closer to being involved? "They are in the competition and we have agreed they will take part in it and we have a draw ready to go with them in it," Tew said.

Kyodo News reported a list of 29 players and a possible coach had been sent to Sanzar this week. But sources told the paper there were doubts about the quality of the squad and several were university players not involved with the national side heading off to the World Cup.

In another complication, some firms have asked that annual games played by their employees be limited and that Top League matches get priority over Super Rugby matches.

There are also reports five coaches who had been approached to take over the Super Rugby franchise had turned down the offer.

Eddie Jones is coaching Japan at this World Cup but the former Wallaby coach and Springbok assistant is stepping down after the tournament and does not want to be involved with the mooted Super Rugby franchise.

Tew confirmed Japan had not hit some of the "milestones that we wanted them to reach on time but they are working very hard to catch that up. The report we got this morning showed a reasonable amount of progress actually.

"There are still a couple of areas we require a little more comfort, is probably the best way to put it."

Japan has missed several deadlines to come up with substantive information about their plans for their coaching and playing rosters.

Sanzar was confident South Africa's Southern Kings would be ready. "Argentina looks really good, the Kings will be okay and Japan we have some work to do," Tew said.