O'Neill's banking on a Super 15

By Bret Harris
October 20, 2008

AUSTRALIAN Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill argues the expansion of the Super 14 series must still proceed despite the world economic crisis.

As the world economy suffers from a massive credit squeeze, the SANZAR nations - South Africa, New Zealand and Australia - are finalising plans to add a 15th team to the competition in 2010.

A former banker, O'Neill acknowledged the code had to proceed with caution during troubled financial times, but expansion was still a major priority.

"We are thoroughly assessing our outlook," O'Neill said.

"From a business perspective, companies around the world will be embarking on similar reviews and planning.

"Caution and fiscal responsibility are required over the next 18 to 24 months. However, expansion of Super rugby remains a financial imperative.

"It must also be remembered we are coming off a smaller base than other sports in terms of our footprint on the landscape.

"Expansion would not result in us flooding any one market. We also have options in terms of how we expand."

With five Super rugby teams in South Africa and New Zealand, Australia are expected to gain a licence for a fifth franchise.

But it is possible the ARU will on-sell it to Japan, which would enter a team in an expanded Super series.

The other options are establishing a Super team on the Gold Coast, western Sydney or Melbourne, but it is doubtful Australia has sufficient playing depth to support a fifth team.

The addition of a team from either Japan or the east coast of Australia would enable SANZAR to create a conference system in Super rugby with five teams in three groups.

Teams would play those in the other conferences once and those in their own group twice.

SANZAR has already agreed in principle to set up an expanded top six play-off format to replace the four-team finals.

But it is understood the three countries have different views on how the top six should be finalised.