Townsville get their Premiership call
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:35
The Queensland Rugby Union Board has given provisional approval to Townsville entering the Queensland Premiership competition in 2010.
The Townsville and District Rugby Union (TDRU) had been pressing hard for entry to the competition to be fast-tracked to next season, however the QRU Board opted for definite entry in 2010, provided the Super 14 competition was expanded as planned and appropriate Australian Rugby Union funding was available.
Premiership rugby is the highest level of rugby competition within Queensland and it currently involves eight teams from Brisbane and one each from the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
QRU Chief Executive Ken Freer said an expanded Super 14 would improve Queensland Rugby's overall financial position and enable it to help fund an expansion of Premier Rugby, with ARU financial support.
"We're optimistic that the expanded Super 14 will go ahead in 2010 and that the ARU will continue to financially support premier rugby in Queensland and New South Wales, which is a vital breeding ground for Australia's Super 14 players," Freer said.
"Targeting 2010 for the next expansion of Queensland Premier Rugby gives Townsville time to prepare properly and gives Queensland Rugby more time to lay the financial groundwork."
The Board decision to set a target of 2010 followed an earlier indefinite deferral of Townsville's entry bid, for purely financial reasons.
"As I said back in September, Townsville definitely ticked the boxes on facilities, player depth and other eligibility criteria. The only stumbling block was the financial commitment. If we can cover that - and there's every reason to believe we can in 2010 - then we're good to go," Freer said.
TDRU President Dan Morton welcomed the nomination of a 2010 entry date by the QRU Board.
"The Townsville Premier Rugby bid for the 2009 season was unfortunately overtaken by a series of events outside our control. We welcome the decision of the QRU Board as it establishes the framework for a team based in Townsville to enter Premier Rugby in 2010," Morton said.
