July decision for SA Super Rugby teams

22 May 2012, 2:59 am   -   Source: AAP

The problem of six South African teams wanting five slots in Super Rugby will be addressed by the SARU general council in July.

The South African Rugby Union and its Super Rugby teams have agreed on "a number of options" to solve the dilemma of having six sides fighting for five places in next year's competition.

SARU says that after a "positive meeting" on Monday, the possible solutions will be considered by its executive committee before a decision by its general council in July. SARU didn't say what the options were.

SARU is scrambling to avoid having to sacrifice one of its current outfits after it promised the new Southern Kings a place in 2013, only for organiser SANZAR to refuse to expand the tournament from the current 15 teams split between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Options are to relegate their lowest-placed team, currently the Johannesburg-based Lions, or get two teams to merge, with the Kings guaranteed their place next year.

The Lions and the Cheetahs, from the central city of Bloemfontein, are the likeliest candidates, having previously competed together as the Cats between 1998 and 2006.

SARU's general council comprises two representatives from each of South Africa's 14 rugby provinces - each with one vote.

The meeting chairman, SARU's president or deputy president, also has a vote and a majority is required to make change.

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