The New Zealand Rugby Union is playing down reports it plans to sell off Super rugby franchises to the highest bidder.
A discussion paper went before the NZRU board in October which raised the question of private ownership of the five New Zealand franchises.
NZRU chief executive Steve Tew ways of raising more revenue are constantly being explored by the union in what is a challenging financial environment.
He says such a prospect is not actively in its plans, but it is sensible to take a broader view of where things may head in the medium to long term.
Mr Tew says if private equity was to be considered in the future, any decisions would be made with extreme caution and the benefit of a large amount of research and information before the NZRU went anywhere near it.
