24 Jul 2009

South African outfit shows interest in Super 15 position

10:37 am on 24 July 2009

South Africa Rugby has submitted to SANZAR the Southern Kings' "Expression of Interest" 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 "Expression of Interest" 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.

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

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Australia has had 7 organisers show interest.

SANZAR expect to name the new team for Super 15 by the beginning of November.