The Tri-Nations will continue to feature on the rugby calendar during World Cup years despite the congested international schedule it creates according to SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters.

"It is an economic reality to ensure we keep strong financially and in terms of players so, unfortunately or fortunately, we will have to keep playing Tri-Nations in a World Cup year," Peters said.

Even though this year's version of the intercontinental competition was reduced from nine to six matches, it still caused outcry among coaches who felt that players were being over exposed to the risks of the game - especially since the introduction of the new Super Rugby format.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is one of many mentors who criticised the decision to stage the competition under the current physical demands players have to endure.

Peters, however, highlighted that cancelling the tournament, which started in 1996, in a World Cup year would lead to substantial financial losses for the Australian and New Zealand rugby unions.

"If we then didn't have Tri-Nations two of the three unions this year would have made significant losses."

"I'm not privy to what SARU's numbers will be for this year, but it would have been difficult for them too."

Peters would also not entertain the thought of shortening the Super Rugby competition.

"We cannot do that when you consider the revenue that it drives to the franchises. It is an important business model for all teams and this year we had 700,000 additional people attend a Super Rugby game across the competition which equates to a lot of money."

As for the welfare of the players, the SANZAR boss said that the amount of rugby being played was in line with what was expected in European leagues.

"The number of games is not dissimilar or out of line with what the northern hemisphere plays.

"It is the scheduling and timing of the season that is the difference and the timing of the World Cup is a hot topic for SANZAR countries."

"Player welfare is very important and we will have to manage and monitor

that very carefully."

SAPA