Super Rugby signals Asian expansion

The evolution of Super Rugby will expand into Asia with SANZAR confirming that tenders from Japan and Singapore will vie for the license to run a team when the competition grows to 18 participants in 2016.

Following an initial expression of interest process, SANZAR has created a shortlist of these two Asian-based applicants that best meet the criteria required to successfully run a Super Rugby franchise and will subsequently proceed with the full tender before a decision is reached in September/October.

SANZAR Chief Executive Greg Peters explained "we are now able to confirm that two parties from Asia will compete for the opportunity to join an expanded Super Rugby competition in 2016. 

"Asia is a region that has been the focus of considerable investment by the International Rugby Board in recent years and is a strategically sound location for the evolution of Super Rugby.

"We were happy with the number of responses received, however the two stand-out expressions of interest that were most attractive to the SANZAR unions were received from Japan and Singapore.

"Each bid has the support of the respective National Unions and includes other interested parties who will provide commercial and business support required for a venture of this nature."

The two bidders now have until mid-August to submit formal tender documents, outlining why they are best-positioned to join the world's premier international provincial rugby competition when it expands to 18 teams in 2016.

The bids will be assessed against the key criteria of commercial value, infrastructure, geographic location, rugby readiness and ongoing sustainability.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup is being held in Japan while Singapore is looking to stage a range of rugby events at it new National Stadium with the rugby World Club 10s having been the first event staged at the new venue last month.

2nd May 2014 - SANZAR CONFIRMS SUPER RUGBY EXPANSION TO 18 TEAMS IN 2016