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Rebels, Force granted foreign recruit concession
BY:BRET HARRIS From: The Australian June 08, 2013 12:00AM
THE ARU has granted Super Rugby expansion franchises Melbourne Rebels and Western Force a concession to recruit seven foreign players to help them to compete with the traditional powers in NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
The Brumbies, NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds are allowed to recruit two foreign players, one marquee and one developmental.
The Rebels and the Force will be able to recruit a marquee import as well as six foreign development players, who will eventually become eligible to play for the Wallabies.
When the Force entered Super Rugby in 2006 it was not given any recruitment concessions by the ARU, but was granted an extra foreign development player last year.
The Rebels were allowed 10 foreign players when they joined the competition in 2011, but this number was to reduce over a certain period to come into line with the other franchises.
The new recruitment concession is part of ARU chief executive Bill Pulver's aim to create "unique solutions" for Australia's five Super Rugby teams.
"This has been done in consultation with all five Super Rugby franchises," Pulver said.
"It's an opportunity to provide unique assistance to the Western Force and the Melbourne Rebels.
"There is some inherent advantage enjoyed by NSW, Queensland and to a lesser extent the Brumbies, which are the birthplaces of most of Australia's rugby talent.
"This is part of our approach to share the talent around the country. I'd love to see our teams come first, second, third, fourth and fifth in the competition."
Pulver was looking to present a number of other initiatives, including the establishment of a Super Rugby development competition, to the ARU board in August.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...-1226659621028