SANZAR's announcement that an expansion of the finals series going from four teams to six teams is on the cards for 2009 and they say it's the first step in the evolution of the super 14.
The plan it seems is to expand the finals in 2009 and then later expand the number of teams in the tournament. The expansion in teams could come in 2010, 2011 or possibly as late as 2016.
Expanding the number of teams is, SANZAR say to keep the tournament interesting and that it will go some way to stemming the tide of foreign players heading to the Northern Hemisphere. In reality they are looking for more money from the next broadcasting deal.
The plan to expand the tournament in terms of teams could well backfire on SANZAR as it means that the players will be playing more rounds in an already congested year. They will more than likely be away from home more and this could make those Northern Hemisphere contracts more appealing.
Source
SANZAR eyes Tokyo and LA for Super 14 expansion
SANZAR eyes Tokyo and LA for Super 14 expansion
