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- By Dean Ritchie
- From: The Daily Telegraph
- December 10, 2009 12:00AM
RUGBY union won't call its major provincial competition the Super 15 when Melbourne enter the competition in 2011. It will simply be known as Super Rugby.
The Daily Telegraph understands the new name will become official after next year's competition when Melbourne - to be possibly known as the Rebels - become the 15th franchise.
The competition has been known as Super 12 and Super 14 but SANZAR strongly believes constantly altering the name will damage its brand.
Officials have already decided the competition will not be known as Super 15 in 2011.
"If there is further expansion, we don't want to be continually changing the name to Super 16 or Super 18," said one source.
"We have been enormously successful Super 12 and Super 14.
"But with a move to 15 teams and possible further expansion, a Super Rugby brand name would deliver on-going continuity.
"Super Rugby can be then retained long-term, irrespective of how many teams are competing. Super Rugby is a marketable brand that will have an enduring presence."
The competition's name change has been discussed but no final decision has been reached.
However, there little doubt it will be introduced when Melbourne arrive in the competition.
Marketing experts agree that constantly tampering with a brand name can be dangerous.
The Super 14 competition for 2010 kicks off in February with the South African-based Bulls favourites.
FORMER Australian Test lock Dan Vickerman will captain Cambridge University in today's Varsity clash with Oxford at Twickenham.
But Vickerman said he would not be returning to Test football with the Wallabies. His last Test for Australia was in August 2008, before he moved to Cambridge to complete a degree in land economy.
"But always representing your country is a special thing," he said.
Vickerman featured in last year's 33-29 Varsity defeat at the hands of Oxford and is keen for revenge, although he admits the task will not be easy.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1225808810621