Addition of a Pacific Island team into Super Rugby competition a serious consideration - SANZAR boss

SANZAR have praised the strong support of rugby in the Pacific Islands, saying they will not rule out their inclusion in a further Super Rugby expansion.

SANZAR boss Andy Marinos said the addition of a Pacific Island team into the Super Rugby competition is a serious consideration and one that would be assessed thoroughly.

Marinos added that SANZAR never deliberately ignored the Pacific Islands.

Marinos also did not doubt the ability of the Pacific Islands team to perform once in the Super Rugby structure, saying they would certainly have a strong and competitive team and that would be an attractive asset moving forward.

A Pacific Island team had already missed the cut with this year's expansion, SANZAR instead opting for teams from Japan, Argentina and South Africa.

Marinos said SANZAR would assess the value of a Pacific Island team against the others to see whether or not it is a viable option.

Meanwhile BNZ Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder has told Fijivillage News that Fiji can host more matches in the country as it has all the facilities.

Blackadder is calling on people to come out in red and black to support the Crusaders tonight.

The Chiefs will host the Crusaders at 7.35 tonight at the ANZ Stadium.

Source: nzherald