Acting SA Rugby Managing Director Andy Marinos has moved quickly to dismiss speculation that South African Rugby was considering breaking links with the Super 14 in favour of a new European competition.

Marinos, who says he would normally ignore any media speculation, admitted that he could not help but move to clarify the situation regarding the future of the current SANZAR agreement.

"There is not a jot of truth in this speculation and we wouldn't normally even bother responding to such a story," said Marinos in an SA Rugby statement.

"But as it has now grown via the internet from speculation from one source in Australasia to a real possibility in websites across Europe we thought rugby supporters would like the record put straight.

"So let me put it quite plainly: we have had no informal or formal discussions with the Magners League ? or any European-based leagues for that matter ? about deserting our SANZAR partners and playing in a northern hemisphere-based tournament. And nor do we have any plans to hold such discussions."

Reports in The Australian newspaper on Tuesday indicated that South African teams could end up playing in the Magners League ? the old Celtic League involving 10 major Provincial teams from Ireland, Wales and Scotland ? were they to leave the Super 14 tournament.

Former South African Rugby Managing Director Rian Oberholzer, is the man rumoured to be negotiating with the Magners League ? but he told the newspaper that he had no involvement in such a scheme.

Marinos added: "We remain committed to SANZAR and are taking a full part in discussions looking at the possible expansion of the tournament ? a desire we share with our Australian and New Zealand partners.

"SANZAR's tournaments are vibrant, hugely popular with our supporters of the very highest rugby quality and remain central to our forward planning."

SANZAR is scheduled to deliver a new southern hemisphere proposal to the Super 14 broadcaster, News Corporation, by Tuesday, 30 June.

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