Super 15 decision goes to arbitration

A decision on which team will be included in the 2011 expanded Super 15 rugby competition will go to arbitration, the Sanzar executive committee said today.

The committee met today to consider applications from Melbourne (Australia) and the Southern Kings (South Africa).

A media release said that, following discussion, it was clear the committee could not reach agreement. The Australian Rugby Union supported the Melbourne bid while the South African Rugby Union backed the Southern Kings.

As a result, no vote was taken by the executive committee and it was agreed the matter should go arbitration in accordance with the Sanzar Joint Venture Agreement.

Sanzar said it would move quickly to set up an independent arbitration process which would result in a binding decision.

Two potential bids from New Zealand were floated early on in the process, with a bid from Hawke's Bay foundering early in August. Taranaki's Super 15 ambitions ended shortly afterwards when the New Zealand Rugby Union opted not to endorse the region's bid.

- NZPA