Super 12 expansion nears fruition
August 3, 2001

The rugby boards of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have endorsed the proposed expansion of the Super 12 competition to include 14 teams.

The South Africa, New Zealand, Australia Rugby Board (SANZAR) announced last month its intention to develop the world's strongest regional rugby competition to incorporate new franchises in Australia and South Africa in time for the 2003 competition.

"The boards of all three SANZAR countries have now endorsed the measures," the ARU said in a statement.

ARU managing director John O'Neill added that the decision had been taken that a fourth Australian side was viable and that there was sufficient playing talent to fomr a strong side.
"The expansion of the player base is an enormous plus for the Wallabies, while there is a wonderful opportunity to develop rugby in new markets," O'Neill said.

"We also need to address the player drain from clubs to more lucrative opportunities overseas. There are too many quality players heading off shore because the present three Super 12 provinces can only contract so many players."

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