NZRU reject Taranaki S15 bid

The 15th Super Rugby franchise will not be a New Zealand based side after the New Zealand Rugby Union announced today that they would not be endorsing Taranaki's bid for a team.

NZRU CEO Steve Tew said today that significant thought was given to the merits of the case put forward by Taranaki but cited lack of player depth and financial resources as reasons to not give the proposal the go ahead.

"The proposal put forward by Taranaki was thorough, detailed and professional and has created a foundation for any future proposals from the region," he said.

"That said, we have consistently questioned whether New Zealand has the capacity, either in playing depth or financial resources, to sustain a sixth Super Rugby Franchise and that influenced our decision."

Mr Tew commended Taranaki Rugby, the New Plymouth District Council and Venture Taranaki, for the hard work and commitment put into their proposal.

While consideration was given to referring the Taranaki proposal on to SANZAR, it was agreed that an expansion of the number of Super Rugby teams in New Zealand would not be in the best interests of New Zealand rugby at this time. Consideration was also given to the value that a New Zealand-based Team would bring to the Australian Conference.

Taranaki RFU CEO Mark Robinson said the Taranaki regional grouping was grateful for the opportunity to present a bid and for the hearing it received from the NZRU.

"The feedback we received was constructive and positive. We were also delighted with the way the Taranaki region came together to put forward this bid and that this work was recognised on its merits.

"There are a number of positives for us in this process in that we can learn from this experience and also build on this as a platform for future opportunities."

The Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union had previously withdrawn its Expression of Interest in the Super Rugby expansion team.

SANZAR will now consider the proposals referred to it by the Australian Rugby Union (Melbourne) and the South Africa Rugby Union (Eastern Cape).