Perth has been handed the fourth Super 14 franchise for Australia.

ARU Chairman Bob Tuckey paid tribute to both the Victorian and the Western Australian Rugby Unions and their respective State Governments, for their outstanding submissions.

"This is an historic day for Rugby in Australia. The Board is unanimous in its view that a Super 14 team based in Perth will be an enormous success and will make an enduring contribution to Australian Rugby," said Mr Tuckey.

"The Board was faced with an extremely complex decision based on detailed analysis of two compelling bids. Each had great merit but only one could be chosen on this occasion. We are conscious that while this is an exciting and historic day for Rugby, inevitably there will be some disappointment."

ARU Managing Director Gary Flowers emphasised that no single criteria determined the outcome, but rather the submissions were judged across a range of criteria that led to the ARU Board forming a view.

"High performance, commercial and developmental issues were rigorously examined. It should be remembered that this decision is about the best interests of Australian Rugby, based on these criteria. In this regard, the Perth case had the edge," said Mr Flowers.

"Just as I urge Western Australians to now embrace this opportunity, equally I urge the Victorian Rugby community to continue the work which has seen Rugby thrive in their state."

"Rugby will continue to grow in Victoria and the ARU is committed to bringing ongoing Test match Rugby to Melbourne, particularly in the context of an expanded Tri Nations Series from 2006. I would particularly like to thank Victoria's Premier Steve Bracks and Sports Minister Justin Madden for the enormous support they lent to the VRU submission."