SANZAR issues EOI for 15th Super Rugby team

SANZAR has called for expressions of interest from applicants wishing to join Super Rugby from 2011.
This is the first step in the application process to determine the location of the 15th team. SANZAR anticipates a decision will be made by November.
Geographical location and the time-zone of the new team will be a key consideration for SANZAR as the 15th team will play in the Australian Conference.
The Request for Expressions of Interest document has been provided to the Australian Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union so they can identify and liaise with any potential Super Rugby applicants from within their countries.
The expressions of interest from these territories must in the first instance be provided to the National Union, that will take into account the criteria established by SANZAR, to determine whether to endorse the application for consideration by SANZAR.
In addition to the three SANZAR countries, the Samoan Rugby Union has been provided with the expression of interest document so that it can consider whether it wishes to mount a bid.
SANZAR has also written to the National Rugby Unions of Argentina, Canada, Fiji, Japan, USA and Tonga and advised that, while SANZAR is not considering them as potential expansion locations for the 15th team, SANZAR sees the change in the competition format from 2011 as a first step in positioning Super Rugby to allow for future opportunities.
Potential applicants need to register their interest with SANZAR by 22nd July.
Inquiries should be made to Peter Jenkins, ARU Head of Media & Communications on 0417 232 698 and/or Brian Finn, NZRU Communications Manager on 027 229 5380.