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If sanity and Steve Tew prevail, the start to the professional rugby season will be shunted back to March from next year.
The New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive told the Sunday Star-Times "there was absolutely no value in playing rugby in February".
"Our preference is for people to enjoy their barbecues and other summer activities such as cricket and turn to rugby when they are ready, which isn't February," he said.
But if Tew is to get his way for a new-look Super 14, currently under review, consensus with Australia and South Africa will have to be reached.
Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill isn't as enamoured with the idea of a later start, said Tew. A February start across the Tasman allows rugby to get the jump on its rival oval ball codes.
Tew said a series of meetings involving Japan, Argentina and the Pacific Islands will unfold over the next six weeks about expansion.
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