Rugby: Tew looks abroad for Super 15 investors

Steve Tew. Photo / NZPA

The Blues could be run from overseas under a new licensing model proposed by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The national body is advertising for expressions of interest in four of the five New Zealand Super rugby franchises, with NZRU chief executive Steve Tew saying the search will not be limited to this country.

"We're quite happy to go beyond the borders of New Zealand," Tew said. "We'll make it very clear, though, these teams will be New Zealand-owned and continue to play in our competition in New Zealand."

The union signalled its intention to partly privatise its franchises two months ago and with this formal step out of the way, it's hoped licence holders will be in place by the start of the 2013 season.

Tew admitted yesterday that "there's not a lot of economic sense in many of the investments in professional sport around the world".

Given the NZRU will retain full ownership of the franchises, the contracting process and be involved with coaching appointments, it's reasonable to ask just what bang potential licensees would be getting for their buck?

"They'll have the opportunity to select the team they are the licence holder of; they will manage and market that side," Tew said.

"They will be responsible for the fan experience. They will set the scene for hopefully a really good entertainment experience and also manage a very competitive and winning rugby team."

The franchises desperately need an injection of capital after two or three difficult years where costs have risen and income has shrunk.

They unanimously agreed a new operating model was needed, though Tew didn't rule out some provincial unions expressing interest in holding the licence.

"We've got an opportunity on the back of Rugby World Cup, where the game is sitting in a good space, to launch into a new era if you like."

The NZRU will insist on remaining the contractor, believing this gives it a competitive advantage, particularly over European nations.

"We'll be able to continue to drive policy that finds a balance between players playing in these competitions and also be ready to be competitive in what we hope is a winning All Black side," Tew said.

The Highlanders are exempt from this process as they are some way through a process of securing fresh capital from private sources.

Last month, the Herald revealed New Zealand Cricket was preparing the ground for a sell-off of its six domestic major associations. They will be watching with interest how much private interest Super rugby generates.