The SANZAAR saga is set to drag on through Easter and possibly beyond after the Australian Rugby Union offered the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force more time to state their case for Super Rugby survival beyond 2017.
ARU chairman Cameron Clyne says the governing body's initial plan to decide which franchise will be cut from the competition by Thursday had been scrapped.
Given it is then Good Friday and a public holiday long weekend, players, staff, their families and fans of the Rebels and Force are almost certain to be left in an uncertain situation until at least next Tuesday before the ARU hands down its decision.
With SANZAAR first forecasting three franchises ‑ two from South Africa and one from Australia ‑ being removed as part of a restructure to a 15‑team competition format in 2018 some seven weeks ago, the delay is becoming almost unbearable for the Rebels and Force.
Meanwhile in the Super Rugby this week, the Crusaders will play the Sunwolves at 7.35pm Friday.
Source: Radio NZ
