SANZAAR apologises for its own Chairman over 'false' claim

REACTION: SANSAAR was left with egg on its collective face over false claims by Rugby Australia and current SANZAAR Chairman Hamish McLennan.

The organisation that runs the Rugby Championship and Super Rugby issued a peculiar and curious statement to ápologise'for a false claim made by McLennan on a podcast.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Auckland-based NewstalkZB Rugby Direct podcast, McLennan claimed there could be ''drastic changes to the Rugby Championship schedule'.

He claimed the move was pushed for by South Africa and Argentina in order for their largely European-based players to have sufficient rest during a calendar year.

McLennan said Australia supported moving the tournament and suggested New Zealand were the only SANZAAR partner nation against the move.

He hinted that it could put South Africa's involvement in jeopardy.

"I worry South Africa will migrate north completely," McLennan told the Rugby Direct podcast earlier on Thursday.

"That would be a disaster for New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia.

"Ultimately it’s going to come down to New Zealand in this instance.

"We understand the complexities around shifting the provincial competitions.

"It's not ideal for us, either, but if it keeps the whole ecosystem together and we build assets globally then we’re open to it.

"It's going to land on NZR’s doorstep, and they’ve got to decide what they’re going to do."

* Listen to the full podcast below ...

However, soon after the broadcast SANZAAR issued a statement dismissing the claims.

"SANZAAR would like to clear up any misunderstanding surrounding the future playing window for The Rugby Championship," the statement started.

"This follows an interview with Rugby Australia and current SANZAAR Chairman Hamish McLennan on a New Zealand podcast 'Rugby Direct' in which he discussed The Rugby Championship schedule.

"SANZAAR can reiterate that until 2026 the existing mini-tour match schedule is locked in.

"Furthermore, The Rugby Championship window will not change from 2026 with the national unions working on competition models for the August/September window to ensure maximum high performance and commercial outcomes.

"SANZAAR is part of World Rugby’s working programme that is exploring the potential creation of a global calendar, and review of playing windows, as part of the Game's work on the wider Regulation 9 [player availability] review.

"The SANZAAR Executive Committee has agreed The Rugby Championship has to fit into the existing sanctioned World Rugby playing windows for international rugby matches.

"SANZAAR apologises for any confusion on The Rugby Championship playing schedule."