Photo: AFP
SANZAAR has had to back track and apologise for comments made by its Chair suggesting the window for the Rugby Championship could move.
Hamish McLennan, who is also Rugby Australia chair, told podcast Rugby Direct that the window could move from August-September to March-April, to work for South Africa.
He suggested New Zealand was opposed to the move.
"It's going to land on NZ Rugby's doorstep, and they've got to decide what they're going to do," he said.
However SANZAAR released a statement saying it "would like to clear up any misunderstanding surrounding the future playing window for The Rugby Championship."
"(We) 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."
The statement went on to say that SANZAAR continues to work with World Rugby on a potential global calendar, and a review of playing windows adding "the Rugby Championship has to fit into the existing sanctioned World Rugby playing windows for international rugby matches. "
-RNZ