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AUSTRALIA will be granted a fifth licence when the Super rugby competition is expanded.
But that does not necessarily mean there will be another Australian team.
The ARU is considering a range of options in relation to Super rugby expansion.
And it is understood that one of those options is to sell Australia's fifth licence to Japan.
This would make good sense in a number of ways.
The ARU would secure a multi-million dollar fee for a Super rugby licence, which would help to provide Australian rugby with financial stability in uncertain economic times.
The move would open the door to Japan to enter Super rugby, which is a development that has to happen if the game is to grow in the booming Asian region.
The presence of Japan in Super rugby would expose the competition to a lucrative new market and increase the value of the broadcasting agreement, which will be re-negotiated in 2010.
Even without a fifth Australian team, the Super rugby series could still be expanded to an 18-team competition played over 26 weeks.
A Japanese team could be joined by sides from the US, Argentina and the Pacific Islands to make up the required 18 franchises.
Selling the licence to Japan would cause some domestic political problems for the ARU with potential bidders such as Melbourne, the Gold Coast and West Sydney certain to express bitter disappointment about missing a wonderful opportunity to promote the game in their cities.
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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...3-2722,00.html