Newcastle in mix for Super expansion
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Newcastle in mix for Super expansion when SANZAR meets in Dubai
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...002381,00.html
Newcastle could come into the reckoning as the host city for a Super rugby expansion team when SANZAR meets in Dubai to consider the future of the southern hemisphere provincial series.
The executive meeting of the most senior South African, New Zealand and Australian rugby officials is shaping as one of the most significant in the history of SANZAR, with ARU boss John O'Neill describing it as a "make-or-break time".
"That's not an alarmist statement," said O'Neill, who is acutely conscious that SANZAR is running out of time to meet the June 30 deadline the broadcasters have given the organisation to present its blueprint for the future, in advance of negotiations to finalise the broadcast agreement to come into effect in 2011.
"We need to get our ducks in a line as a joint venture.
The world economic environment is a whole lot different to what it was 12 months ago, and we have to be very realistic about the market," he said.
South Africa's commitment to remain in the Super 14 has been welcomed by Australian and NZ officials, who were alarmed at reports its SANZAR partner was investigating joining the Magners League.
But they will still head to Dubai next week uneasy about what surprises, if any, the South Africans might spring on them.
While Australia is pushing hard for an expanded Super rugby competition - arguing for the introduction of a Japanese franchise propped up by a significant number of Australian players - SA has a political agenda to bring in the Eastern Cape as the 15th Super rugby franchise.
O'Neill said the decision made would be in SANZAR's best interests.
But speaking with his ARU hat on, he said a whole range of options opened up if Australia's push for the inclusion of Japan was accepted.
"The team could be Tokyo-based or based in Australia, from the Gold Coast to western Sydney to Melbourne.
"And with the Energy Australia Stadium in Newcastle set to be boosted to a 40,000 capacity to support Australia's FIFA World Cup bid, who knows, you might end up with a Super rugby team based there," he said.
O'Neill, meanwhile, denied he had "killed" the proposal to stage a Bledisloe Cup Test in Denver, insisting the city was "on the cards" for 2010.
But he said the priority for this year was a fourth Wallabies-All Blacks Test to be staged in Asia as the opener to both teams' northern hemisphere spring tours.
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