A meeting in Dubai on Wednesday is primed to break a stalemate over the future of rugby union in the southern hemisphere.
The Sanzar coalition (made up of the unions of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia), will meet ahead of negotiations to renew its broadcasting deal.
All three unions are also keen to negotiate new television broadcasting deals with respective pay TV platforms in their own countries. Rupert Murdoch’s News Ltd has owned the rights to southern hemisphere rugby since 1995. News sells on the rights to Sky TV and Foxtel in Australia.
“It would make sense to cut out the middleman,” said New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew. “We're comfortable either way, but there are distinct advantages to having a one-stop shop.”
“We're hopeful South Africa and Australia will come with a willingness to reach some middle ground. If we can't, clearly we will have to meet again.”
In addition, Sanzar will discuss developing southern hemisphere rugby. Australia and New Zealand are backing expansion into new frontiers such as Asia while South Africa supports including Argentina in future plans.
