Rugby: Taranaki S15 bid founders

Taranaki's Super 15 rugby ambitions today foundered as the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) opted not to endorse the region's bid for inclusion in the expanded 2011 competition.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew today said the board had decided not to endorse the Taranaki bid for consideration by governing body Sanzar, but "significant thought" had been given to the merits of the case.

"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.

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

"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."

He said the NZRU felt an expansion of the number of Super teams in New Zealand would not be in the best interests of New Zealand rugby at the moment.

Taranaki Rugby Football Union chief executive 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," Robinson said.

Earlier this month, the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union withdrew their short-lived expression of interest to form a stand-alone franchise in 2011, saying they did not have sufficient time to present a business plan.

Taranaki's chances of success were always limited, Robinson earlier admitting there had been concerns about how a sixth New Zealand team would impact on the existing franchises in terms of player depth.

Sanzar will consider proposals referred to it by the Australian Rugby Union (Melbourne) and the South Africa Rugby Union (Eastern Cape) in late September and make its decision about a month later.

- NZPA