Australia's proposed national rugby club competition "is gaining momentum, with Fox Sports interested in televising games," according to Bret Harris of THE AUSTRALIAN. However, the concept "could run into a road block if it is opposed by Sydney clubs." The Australian Rugby Union board "recently approved the creation of the competition," pending the securing of a broadcast partner and sponsorship to cover the A$3M ($2.8M) cost. ARU CEO Bill Pulver "has approached Fox Sports and all of the free-to-air TV networks to solicit interest in showing the competition." Without a broadcast partner, the ARU "would not be able to secure sponsorship." Pulver "has appointed leading sports administrator John Boultbee to consult on the creation of the competition." The preferred model "appears to be an eight team-competition involving teams from Sydney (three), Brisbane (two), Canberra, Melbourne and Perth to be played in September and October." Some Sydney clubs "are opposed to the competition because it has the potential to diminish the importance of the Shute Shield" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 11/19).
