South Africa planning IPL-style rugby union

A group of South African entrepreneurs are pressing ahead with an Indian Premiere League (IPL)-style rugby union, with the first tournament planned for January 2012.

Eight private franchises will own teams and players will be part of an auction, as in the IPL.

The matches will be played with two 20-minute halves, two-minute half-time, power plays and other changes to make the game faster and more appealing to spectators and broadcasters, The Daily Telegraph, reports.

Top players could expect to earn more than 100,000 dollars for a two to three-week competition.

According to reports, the International Rugby Board as well as other unions have rejected the proposal.

However, there is strong support from some senior players and businessmen favouring the concept with or without official approval.

The South African backers are also understood to be prepared to go ahead as a rebel competition, which could force top players to risk their international careers.