The mouth‑watering prospect of the Highlanders playing for a world club rugby title against Toulon has been ruled out by Sanzar boss Andy Marinos.
Sanzar chief executive Marinos dismissed as "premature" the possibility of a world club challenge match between the Super Rugby champions and the winners of the European rugby Champions Cup.
Such a match would have All Black World Cup winner Ma'a Nonu and former Canterbury Crusader Tom Taylor against the southern men of the Highlanders.
European media outlets have reported European Professional Club Rugby‑ the governing body for European rugby competitions ‑ is in dialogue with Sanzar about organising a game essentially to decide the world's best club rugby side.
However Marinos, has quashed such speculation, saying Sanzar has not been spoken to about the concept.
Meanwhile the Highlanders play the Force at 6.35pm Friday.
