The SANZAR-run competition expands in 2011 from 14 to 15 teams, with two New Zealand-based teams having expressed interest in entering. Hawke’s Bay withdrew its interest earlier this month and the NZRU has confirmed they will not put forward to SANZAR a second proposed bid from the Taranaki area.
“While consideration was given to referring the Taranaki proposal on to SANZAR, it was agreed that an expansion of the number of Super rugby teams in New Zealand would not be in the best interests of New Zealand rugby at this time,” said NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew, as reported by Reuters.
“We have consistently questioned whether New Zealand has the capacity, either in playing depth or financial resources, to sustain a sixth Super rugby franchise and that influenced our decision.”
Australia has endorsed a bid from Melbourne for the 15th franchise, while South Africa received just one expression of interest from the Southern Kings franchise from the Eastern Cape region.
