The Super 14 finals series will not be expanded until at least the 2010 season after the SANZAR nations were unable to agree on a format for the planned six-team playoffs.

The competition's finals series was set to be increased from four teams to six next season but SANZAR announced expansion would be postponed until 2010.

SANZAR also confirmed it would continue to trial the current Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) rather than adopt an expanded form of the laws.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa were unable to come to an agreement on either of the issues.

"These were major issues with major implications in the different markets and we could not reach a consensus on either issue," said Andy Marinos, the acting managing director of SA Rugby, who doubles as the SANZAR's managing director on a rotational basis.

"We would all like to have gone to a six-team play-off series in 2009 and accepted that principle at our July meeting in Perth, but we could not agree on the play-off structure that was to be adopted and, in the interests of SANZAR, we opted to remain with the status quo."

Marinos also said the SANZAR partners were unable to agree a common approach on the ELVs and opted for the status quo.

"SANZAR was given IRB approval in May to further trial an expanded form of the ELVs and after reflection we have re-committed to that principle as an organisation," said Marinos.

"The ELVs as applied in the Tri-Nations will continue into the 2009 SANZAR competitions - we're smart enough and professional enough as rugby nations to adapt when we have to."

The Super 14 season will kick off on February 13.

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