ARU confirms that one Australian team to be removed from Super Rugby

The Australian Rugby Union has confirmed that one Australian team will be removed from Super Rugby when the competition reverts to a 15-team, three-conference format in 2018.

“It is important for me to clarify firstly that the decision to remove a Super Rugby team from Australia was a decision made by the ARU, not by SANZAAR," said ARU Chairman Cameron Clyne.

“This outcome however was only made possible by a consensus vote by the four SANZAAR partners and has been a complex process involving the many stakeholders in the competition across the globe. This process was finally completed yesterday.

Clyne said the decision on which Australian team to be removed for the 2018 season will be made after consultation with two teams, the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels.“

At the request of the Board, ARU management completed an exhaustive analysis on three of our teams - the Brumbies, Western Force and Melbourne Rebels. 

“The purpose of the analysis was to assess each of those teams on their financial sustainability, high performance and commercial factors, examining a range of metrics, with a view to identifying which of those three teams to remove from the competition.
 
“After reviewing management’s findings, the Board made the decision to eliminate the Brumbies from the process and identified that consultation is required with both the Western Force and Melbourne Rebels to further understand their financial position."