Cape Town - SA Rugby on Friday submitted a compelling case for the inclusion of the Southern Kings franchise in the planned 2011 Vodacom Super 15 competition.

The 60-page Bid Document was delivered to SANZAR who will decide whether the Kings or a Melbourne-based franchise will fill the expansion berth.

“The Bid document makes a very exciting and compelling case for the Southern Kings’ inclusion,” said Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby.

“SA Rugby has taken the lead in the organisation and preparation of the Bid Document with input from all stakeholders in the three provinces and, all together, it makes for an outstanding case.

Marinos said the bid was based on the fact that SANZAR faced a rugby and business decision.

“We have put together a strong and sustainable business plan based on realistic sponsorship and attendance projections,” said Marinos.

“In addition, the Kings’ Bid is not a case of having to reinvent the wheel – they can be operational very quickly: the Kings have a ready audience; they have a fantastic stadium; there is a rich heritage of rugby in all communities and a significant number of schools  that continue to produce outstanding young players.

“Key personnel with Super Rugby experience in Alan Solomons (director of rugby) and Stefan Pretorius (managing director) are ready to fill the main leadership roles and they have already identified players with top-level experience who are willing to sign in due course.”

Solomons coached the Kings in their inaugural match against the British & Irish Lions, pushing the tourists all the way in a 20-8 defeat,
“This region really is a hotbed of rugby and the match against the Lions underscored the potential,” he said.

“We have already identified the coaching team and have taken soundings with Super Rugby quality players both here and overseas and are convinced we can put together a very competitive squad.”

Marinos said that the Kings forecast an average attendance of 24,000 in their first year of existence and that initial planning and inquiries suggested that a budget in excess of that of some current South African franchises was attainable.

“The assumption has been made that that the 15th team has to be based in Australia because it will feature in the log of the Australian Conference, but that is far from the case,” said Marinos.

“SANZAR has to make a decision that makes rugby sense and business sense and the Southern Kings fills both criteria. Even the claims that it makes logistical sense to be based in Australia do not stack up to close examination – the Kings would have only one more match overseas than does a South African franchise at the moment.”

The Kings would play six matches overseas – SA teams currently play five matches in Australasia every other season – while Australian teams would play three matches in South Africa, a schedule they currently enjoy every other season.

Marinos dismissed fears that the franchise might be uncompetitive on the field. “There are 74 South Africans playing in the French Top 14 and English Premiership compared to 20 Australians and plenty more where they came from looking for the opportunity of top flight rugby,” said Marinos. “The Kings pulled together a very competitive team to take on the British & Irish Lions in June and only Derick Kuün could be counted as a current Super 14 player – it shows the depth that we can tap in to.

“The Kings are a franchise waiting to burst to life.”

SANZAR are expected to announce their decision on October 21. If a consensus cannot be reached the matter will go to arbitration.