SA Rugby has submitted to SANZAR the Southern Kings’ “Expression of Interest” (EOI) in a place in an expanded Super 15.
A combined Eastern Province, Border and South Western Districts franchise was the only organisation to respond to SA Rugby’s call for the submission of Super 15 “Expression of Interest” (EOI) documents.
SA Rugby has accepted the Kings’ submission and has formally asked SANZAR to consider the franchise for inclusion in the full-blown tender process.
Australia and New Zealand have until early next month to decide which EOIs from unions in their territories they may wish to forward to SANZAR for consideration.
New Zealand have announced that the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union and the Taranaki region have submitted EOIs, although the NZRU have yet to decide which, if any, they may forward to SANZAR.
SANZAR will then choose which of the EOIs to accept after which the remaining bidders will go to a full tender process where factors such as financial sustainability, player strength, geographical location and time zoning will be among the considerations in awarding the 15th berth.
The 15th Super Rugby team will play in the Australian Conference of a new-style competition which will also feature home and away derby matches between teams within each national conference as well as an expanded six-team play-off series.
SANZAR expect to name the new team for Super 15 by the beginning of November.
