Melbourne has been chosen by the ARU to present the Australian challenge to the bid by South Africa's Southern Kings to host the 15th team. But Reuters reports the Australian group backed by the provincial Victorian Rugby Union has said it was left out of ARU consultations which saw rival group Vic Super 15 get the national union's backing.
"There has been a failure to appreciate the level of support and commitment that the Victorian corporate and rugby community have to the involvement of a professional team," said VRU President Gary Gray, speaking to Reuters.
"If Melbourne don't get their act together, there is a real risk of losing the franchise to South Africa," ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill has said, speaking to the Australian press.
O'Neill also said losing to the South African bid would reduce the ARU's television rights revenue expectations for its next contract. "We're in the middle of selling our broadcast rights, and (media firm) News Ltd have indicated they will pay a premium if the fifth team is based in Australia," he said. "The significant increase in local content is the driver of the expected increase."
