Super Rugby silence frustrating players

The lack of player input around the possible axing of an Australian Super Rugby franchise is frustrating the players, according to Wallabies star Dean Mumm.

Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA) president Dean Mumm is disappointed at the lack of player input into any potential removal of an Australian Super Rugby franchise.

The NSW Waratahs and Wallabies stalwart also says the lack of transparency from SANZAAR, the competition's ruling body, and the ARU is also frustrating.

Some 60 Australian players are stuck in limbo over the ongoing saga, with the ARU having placed a moratorium on any franchise signing contracts with non-Wallabies until the revamped 2018 competition format is revealed.

"From a RUPA point of view, it's pretty obvious where we stand. We'd love to see the five teams stay around," Mumm said on Tuesday.

"A frustrating element is the lack of consultation from the players in it. We'd love to have a say in it.

"We understand why we don't and the situation and the politics behind it.

"But as a playing group, we're thoroughly behind five teams and ensuring that everyone that plays in Australia gets the greatest opportunity to play at a terrific level that is Super Rugby.

"So I think this period of limbo is frustrating. It would be nice to know what's going on and to get some communication about that.

"I think everyone, you guys (the media) included, would perhaps be quite keen on that."

SANZAAR officials met in London almost two weeks ago without coming to any resolution on the format for next year's Super Rugby.

It's been widely reported that the tournament will be reduced from 18 teams to 15, with one Australian club to go, as well as two from South Africa.

Mumm's Waratahs and the Queensland Reds are considered the only two Australian franchises safe from the chop.

The Western Force, Melbourne Rebels and even the Brumbies - who have won Super championships and a record nine-straight conference derbies - are all deemed to be in the firing line.


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Source: AAP



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