Super 15's two-way race

NZstuff.com - Thursday, August 20, 2009 3:01 PM

THE race to become Super rugby's 15th team is down to two bidders after governing body SANZAR confirmed Melbourne and South Africa's Southern Kings had taken the next step in the process.

SANZAR said on Wednesday it received just two expressions of interest for the place in an Australian conference from 2011.

"The ARU has endorsed Melbourne as its preferred location for the 15th team and is now working with the three applicants from Melbourne to prepare a single application for consideration by SANZAR," the body said in a statement.

"SA Rugby has endorsed the bid from the Southern Kings franchise based in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

"Both applicants have been invited to provide more information to SANZAR, including a formal application for entry and business plan."

The Australian Rugby Union chose Melbourne ahead of Gold Coast, western Sydney and Sunshine Coast for Australia's bid last week after receiving three separate submissions from the southern capital.

ARU chief John O'Neill asked the three to join forces to ensure Australia's bid was as strong as possible.

South Africa believe it is feasible for a sixth team from the Republic to play in a conference with Australia's existing four teams.

New Zealand withdrew its bid for Taranaki to become the 15th team on Monday.

The next deadline for the bidders is September 25.

"SANZAR will then review the information received and expects to make a decision on the location of the 15th team in October," the statement said.