ARU looks for private investment
The Australian Rugby Union is to consider private investment in its Super 14 franchises.
The move comes after the ARU reported an $8.4 million loss in 2007.
ARU Chairman, Peter McGrath, recently stated, "if we want rugby to have a greater footprint in Australia, if we want to have a stronger competitive position against the other major football codes, then we need to advance.
"We need to push for an expansion of Super Rugby and explore the introduction of private equity, which has not previously been permissible under ARU policy. We are now a mature professional sport. It is time to look at embracing it."
The ARU accredits the loss to a falling participation rates and increased competition from other winter sports codes.
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