ARU relaxes transfer window 23/02/2010 |
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The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has agreed to Melbourne Rebels’ request to bring forward the date from which the new team can sign players from rival franchises.
Melbourne, which will become the 15th Super Rugby franchise when the competition expands next year, was previously banned from signing home-based players before June 1 but that date has now been changed to March 15.
The ARU wanted to avoid a repeat of the raiding of other sides when the Western Force joined the league in 2006, but Melbourne had asked for a compromise.
ARU managing director and chief executive John O'Neill believes the new agreement is fair for all parties.
"We still have concerns around players announcing midway through a season that they will be switching to another team the following season," he said. "Respected rugby league coach Wayne Bennett suggested at the weekend that movement of players during the competition was the most disruptive thing that happens in his code.
"However, weighing up the interests of the four existing Super Rugby provinces that wanted a level of protection around player retention, and the interests of the Rebels who want to fill their playing roster for 2011, we have come to the conclusion that the March 15 date is the best balance for all parties.
"What this does is give the Rebels every opportunity to develop as competitive a team as possible for their entry to the Super Rugby ranks and to give comfort about the quality of that team to their potential backers.
"ARU wants this team to succeed, and to suggest otherwise is ridiculous. Melbourne is a part of Australian Rugby and we are about making Australian Rugby collectively strong."
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