News Ltd wants compensation over missing stars

SYDNEY - News Ltd will ask for financial compensation if the NZ Rugby Union goes ahead with its plan to rest 22 top All Blacks for the first half of next year's Super 14 competition.

NZRFU chief executive Chris Moller announced more than a week ago the plan to stand down key All Blacks from the first seven weeks of the Super 14.

News Ltd, the broadcast rights holder for the competition, expressed its disappointment about the plan, and now says the NZRFU will have to pay if it continues with it.

Corporate affairs director Greg Baxter said the move would breach the five-year A$420 million ($505 million) broadcast agreement signed by the Sanzar (South African, New Zealand and Australia) rugby alliance. Under the contract, the three countries have to make best endeavours to field their strongest teams for Super 14 and test matches.

Baxter said News Ltd hoped the issue would be resolved at meetings this week with the Sanzar unions and broacasters.

"Frankly, we are hopeful of getting this resolved rather than seeing any action needing to be pursued on any front," he said.

If it was not resolved, then News Ltd would look at its options for pursuing further action, he said.

Moller said it was unlikely the NZRFU would back down.

Advice was that they are entitled to do what they have announced.

- NZPA