Samoa 'offered' a Super 15 spot
Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:53
Samoa, should they wish to apply, may well be able to field a team in an expanded Super Rugby competition from 2011.
It was revealed on Wednesday that SANZAR, who called for "expressions of interest" from applicants wishing to join Super Rugby, had invited Samoa to apply.
However, countries such as Argentina, Canada, Fiji, Japan, the United States and Tonga will have to wait a while longer before an opportunity will arise for them to enter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday SANZAR - South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby - said the expressions of interest document is "the first step in the application process" to determine the location of the 15th team.
SANZAR anticipates a decision will be made by November.
"Geographical location and the time-zone of the new team will be a key consideration for SANZAR, as the 15th team will play in the Australian Conference," the statement said.
Australia have indicated that they will apply for a fifth team to fill the extra spot, while South Africa's newest franchise, the Southern Kings, are also likely to apply.
The Kings franchise was launched last month when they played against the touring British and Irish Lions team in Port Elizabeth. However, the geographical issue remains the Eastern Cape outfit's biggest stumbling block and would probably favour a Samoan franchise.
"The Request for Expressions of Interest document has been provided to the Australian Rugby Union, New Zealand Rugby Union and South African Rugby Union so they can identify and liaise with any potential Super Rugby applicants from within their countries," the statement said.
"The expressions of interest from these territories must in the first instance be provided to the National Union, that will take into account the criteria established by SANZAR, to determine whether to endorse the application for consideration by SANZAR.
"In addition to the three SANZAR countries, the Samoan Rugby Union has been provided with the expression of interest document so that it can consider whether it wishes to mount a bid.
"SANZAR has also written to the National Rugby Unions of Argentina, Canada, Fiji, Japan, USA and Tonga and advised that, while SANZAR is not considering them as potential expansion locations for the 15th team, SANZAR sees the change in the competition format from 2011 as a first step in positioning Super Rugby to allow for future opportunities.
"Potential applicants need to register their interest with SANZAR by 22 July."
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