NZ open S15 to foreign stars

Wellington - New Zealand's Super 15 rugby teams will be allowed to contract two foreign players in next year's expanded southern hemisphere competition, officials said Friday.

The New Zealand Rugby Union said the move would add depth to the country's five Super 15 teams and safeguards would be put in place to ensure it did not hamper the development of local players.

"We're comfortable that we can achieve that and this gives some flexibility to franchises in their recruitment and contracting," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

Previously, New Zealand teams could only sign foreigners under exceptional circumstances such as a significant lack of depth in a particular position.

Under the new rules, clubs can only sign foreign players if no New Zealand alternative is available and they cannot sign more than one foreigner in certain positions such as prop or lock.

In addition, there is a limit of one foreign player across all five clubs in designated positions such as tighthead prop and fly-half.

Pacific island players will not be treated as foreign players under the new policy.

The Super rugby competition expands to 15 teams next year with the addition of Australia's Melbourne Rebels.