Super 15 hopefuls still in the dark
Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:20
While SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby) reaches a deadline to submit their Super 15 blueprint to broadcasters, expansion contenders are yet to receive vital documentation to allow them to bid for a place in the revamped tournament.
SANZAR will submit its proposed 24-week competition to bank-rolling rights holder News Limited on Tuesday but Melbourne, Gold Coast and South Africa's Southern Kings are yet to receive the criteria they are expected to meet in order to gain Super Rugby status.
"We've had no indications on anything so we're just sitting and waiting to see what happens," Gold Coast bid team chief Terry Jackman told AAP.
"It seems a bit strange. They've had a few Test matches to worry about I guess."
Victorian Rugby Union president Gary Gray added: "We are looking forward to soon receiving the SANZAR criteria for the expression of interest process.
"We can't go as far as we'd like to until we understand what the criteria is and all of the details surrounding it."
ARU deputy chief executive Matt Carroll said bidders could expect the criteria as early as next week, "depending on SANZAR".
The Southern Kings are reportedly so confident they will get the go-ahead to be the fifth "Australian" side, they have started recruiting players.
The Kings, officially launched on June 16 against the British and Irish Lions, have been negotiating with coaches and players with a view of reaching the Super 15 in 2011. Southern Kings bosses are also keen to organise a match against the Barbarians in either December or January.
"I don't know how that will work but we respect their right to have a crack and that will create good competition and keep everyone on their toes," Gray said.
The Victorians say they will scour the globe in the search for a high profile coach should they get the green light.
"Melbourne will need headline coaches and headline people related to the team in terms of players," Gray said.
"This is an international game as has been proved by the decision, which was a fantastic one, for Robbie Deans to coach the Wallabies.
"Some of the best Australian coaches are currently coaching overseas.
"We could have a South African, we could have an Englishman, it's a question of getting the right person that fits into the culture of the team."
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