THE NEW Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is against the private ownership of its existing Super 14 franchises but new teams could be allowed to have independent equity, the organisation said in a review document.

The paper, on the future direction of professional rugby in New Zealand, was sent out to all 26 provincial unions and the five Super 14 franchises last week.

SANZAR is considering introducing new teams, either domestically or from the Pacific Islands, Argentina, Japan or North America into an expanded Super 14 competition and international programme. The NZRU admitted the current ownership model of their Super 14 franchises provided less scope for commercial activity and additional capital investment.

"On the other hand, there is a significant advantage to the NZRU from retaining control of the activities of the franchises," the document said.