SOUTHERN SPEARS TO PLAY IN 2007 SUPER 14

A high court judgment on Friday clearing the way for the Southern Spears to play in next year's Super 14 competition was a "triumph for South African rugby," the franchise's managing director Tony McKeever said.

"The victory for the Spears decreed by Judge Dennis Davis is a defeat for SA Rugby but it's also a triumph for South African rugby," McKeever said.

He was speaking moments after Cape High Court judge Dennis Davis ruled against the SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd and the South African Rugby Union.

South African rugby's controlling bodies had argued in court papers that essential terms were missing from a supposed contract between them and the Port Elizabeth-based Spears or were "too vague to be enforced".

However, Davis said during his oral judgment that it was clear from the papers before him that Spears had a right to participate in the two competitions.

The Spears, representing the southern and eastern Cape, had claimed that SA Rugby had reneged on an agreement to include the team in the tournaments.

"I think what we need to do is, the Spears, myself and SA Rugby need to meet as soon as possible with regards to coming up with an immaculate solution and remedy for our exclusion from the Currie Cup, and we're absolutely delighted for and behalf of our sponsors and Spears fans that our rights have been restored to us for inclusion in the Super 14 for 2007 and 2008," said McKeever.

The Super 14 competition is an international competition conducted under the auspices of a joint venture known as Sanzar.

Currently, five South African teams -- Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, Cats and Cheetahs -- participate in the competition, along with four teams from Australia and five from New Zealand.

Basil Haddad, finance director for SA Rugby, told Sapa outside the court that the judgment seemed to be somewhat "inconclusive".

"And I need to consult with our legal advisers as to exactly what the implications of this decision are. The only thing that is clear is the fact that Spears will not participate in the 2006 Currie Cup, but beyond that I'm very uncertain," Haddad said.