Rugby: South Africa reject move to Europe

The South African Rugby Union have quashed reports that it will leave the Super 14 for the European-based Magners League. Photo / Getty Images

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The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has moved to reiterate its commitment to SANZAR in the wake of reports linking it to a shift to the northern hemisphere.

Reports here and abroad have suggested SARU is on the verge of joining the northern hemisphere-based Magners League due to better time zones.

South African rugby acting managing director Andy Marinos said there is no truth to the speculation and they want to put the record straight in that they have no plans to desert SANZAR.

"There is not a jot of truth in this speculation and we wouldn't normally even bother responding to such a story," Marinos said on the SARU website.

"So let me put it quite plainly: we have had no informal or formal discussions with the Magners League - or any European-based leagues for that matter - about deserting our SANZAR partners and playing in a northern hemisphere-based tournament. And nor do we have any plans to hold such discussions.

Marinos added SARU remain committed to SANZAR and are taking a full part in discussions involving Super rugby expansion.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, NEWSTALK ZB