Super 14 rugby becomes Super 15 in 2010...

Super 24 rugby becomes Super 15 in 2010...


There is no guarantee there will be another Australian side when the Super 14 expands to fifteen teams from 2010. It could come from anywhere?


SANZAR's plans for an expanded competition have been unveiled, with the three countries splitting into conferences where those teams will play each other home and away.

The 15th team will play in the Australian conference but NZRU CEO Steve Tew says the Pacific Islands has express an interest and it is possible for other areas of New Zealand to at least consider the criteria. Tew says Australia's talent pool is an issue.

"The Australians are obviously very keen, as they have a strong desire to grow their game, but I think there's a question mark over their talent depth, which is why they are looking for a change in the eligibility criteria, which we've said no to at this stage"

The competition will start in late February and run through to August, with a three week break in June for the international season.

Teams will also play four franchises in each of the other two conferences, making a 16-game schedule.



Acknowledgements:
© 2009 NZCity, NewsTalkZB

Brumbies Super 14 player, Shawn Mackay has died in a Durban hospital...

Brumbies Super 14 rugby player Shawn Mackay has died in a Durban hospital.

Mackay, 26, died at about 11am AEST, having suffered a cardiac arrest, a Brumbies spokesman said.

He had been in hospital, critically ill with multiple injuries, since the early hours of March 29 when he was hit by an armed response car in a Durban street.

He had shown some positive signs after being brought out of a medically induced coma late last week and underwent surgery.

"After his surgery Shawn contracted an infection in his bloodstream," said Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan.

"He deteriorated rapidly and suffered a cardiac arrest from which he didn't recover."

"It's devastating news for his family and for all of the Brumbies community.

"Our thoughts and those of the players are with his family at this most difficult time."

Mackay had been admitted to St Augustine's hospital in Durban with a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation, a fractured skull as well as a broken leg and multiple facial fractures after being struck by the vehicle.

The incident occurred about 4.15am Durban time when Mackay and a number of other Brumbies were leaving a nightclub, having wound down after their Super 14 loss to the Sharks the previous evening.

Mackay's parents, John and Leonie, and girlfriend Trish flew to South Africa on Tuesday to be by his side.

The Brumbies were flying back to Australia on Monday after completing their three-match trip to South Africa with a win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein at the weekend.