Ten Express Interest in 15th Super Franchise

Ten organisations have submitted expressions of interest in becoming the additional team in the expanded Super 15 rugby competition from 2011.
Seven submissions have come from Australian-based groups (where Melbourne is regarded as the favourite location for the new franchise), with three from Victoria, two from Queensland and one each from Western Sydney and NSW Country.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said it has received documents from the Hawkeâs Bay Rugby Football Union and Taranaki region detailing their interest in becoming the 15th franchise while SA Rugby has received documents from the âSouthern Kingsâ â a combined Eastern Province, Border and South Western Districts franchise.
SANZAR, the governing body representing the rugby unions from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, will assess the expressions of interest with a final announcement on the successful franchise due by the beginning of November.