One of the Super 15 bidders from Australia, the NSW Country Rugby Union, have advised the Australian Rugby Union that they are withdrawing its Expression of Interest to establish the 15th Super Rugby team when the competition expands in 2011 to a Super 15.
NSW CRU was one of seven interested Australian parties to lodge an EOI after SANZAR announced Super Rugby would boast an additional team when the competition moves to a new-look three-conference format.
The Australian, New Zealand and South African Conferences will each host five teams in the new format of the Super 15.
The additional Super Rugby team will be part of the Australian Conference and SANZAR have said that the Geographical location of the new Super 15 team will play a major part in who is named as the new Super 15 team.
This means that the odds are against the South African team the Southern Kings being named as the Super 15 team as they are geographically the furthest away from Australia.
“Participating in the EOI was a very positive and productive exercise for Country Rugby ,” NSW CRU President Bruce Worboys told the ARU.
“We thank the ARU for their support and guidance through the process.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to meet all of the key criteria set by SANZAR and felt it proper to withdraw our EOI to allow the ARU to work with the other applicants.”
Mr Worboys said NSW CRU would meet again with the ARU in the near future “to discuss our ongoing role in the development of Australian Rugby”.
ARU is continuing to meet this week with Australian parties who have lodged a Super 15 EOI in relation to Super Rugby‘s expansion.
