SANZAAR apologise for confusion created by Rugby Australia chairman

During the interview with Rugby Direct, McLennan touched on the future of the Rugby Championship schedule in how the tournament could move to a period that is earlier in the year.

The shift would align better for South Africa who are involved with the European club structure now and Australia is believed to be supportive of the idea whilst New Zealand were not.

The situation is sensitive with fears that South Africa will completely integrate into the northern hemisphere structures.

"I worry South Africa will migrate north completely. That would be a disaster for NZR and RA," McLennan told Rugby Direct.

"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."

There are many moving parts to consider and with that SANZAAR stepped in to calm any sort of speculation by reiterating that the schedule is locked in until 2026.

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

"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."

The governing body also confirmed that whilst the window will not change until 2026 there are efforts being made to align a global season.

"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's statement continued.

"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 games' 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."