Melbourne to get Super 15 team 12/11/2009 |
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Melbourne has been awarded the franchise for the 15th Super rugby team when the competition expands in 2011.
The city was chosen by an independent panel after SANZAR (South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby) failed to reach agreement with a rival bid from South Africa’s Southern Kings.
The existing Super 14 competition will be reorganised with five teams now coming from each of the three countries.
SANZAR claimed a 15th Super rugby team in South Africa would have reduced broadcasting revenue by between $US15m and $20m over the term of a contract.
It said in a statement: “The Melbourne application provided considerably greater commercial benefit than the Southern Kings application.”
Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill added called the decision “a vote for common sense”.
He added: “Melbourne has an extraordinary capacity for sport and we can now deliver them a Super rugby side they can embrace and support in an established competition of genuine international standing.”
The team will play at the purpose-built rectangular stadium opposite the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre and within sight of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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