Two-pool idea looms as plan B

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew says a two-pool Super rugby format is a realistic option after Sanzar's Dubai summit failed to achieve any clear consensus on the competition's future.

After arriving home from the conference, Tew insisted Sanzar would push forward with the preferred plan to add one team in 2011 and create a three-conference Super 15.

However, he admitted a contingency plan was a realistic alternative should New Zealand, South Africa and Australia fail to resolve their current differences.

"The other thing that's clearly on the table now is that we would look at a second option which would be a competition based on an Australasian or Asia-Pacific pool and an African pool with some crossover for finals at the end," Tew said.

"If we can't resolve our differences around start date, around June internationals and around expansion ... if those things remain stumbling blocks, then that's the fallback and we are working on that as we speak."

Tew said an expansion team could come from Australia, South Africa, Asia or the Pacific Islands.

South Africa are bound to a TV deal requiring their top players to be available for the Currie Cup in July, but Tew said the NZRU had made it clear a March competition date was their preference.

"We've made it clear we respect their desires around the Currie Cup, but you are either in a joint venture or you're not and you are prepared to make some compromises or you're not."

- © Fairfax NZ News