Nine organisations have submitted expressions of interest in becoming the additional team in the expanded Super 15 rugby competition from 2011.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said it has received documents from the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Football Union and Taranaki region detailing their interest in becoming the 15th franchise. The other seven submissions are from seven Australian-based groups.
SANZAR - the governing body representing the rugby unions from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia - will assess the expressions of interest next month after the formal submission date in late September. The NZRU said a final decision is due in late October.
Melbourne is regarded as the favourite location for the new franchise, with Gold Coast in Queensland also believed to be in the running.
