THE NEW ZEALAND Rugby Union (NZRU) have decided not to submit Taranaki’s bid to become the 15th Super franchise.

Following Hawke’s Bay’s decision to withdraw their application earlier this month, citing not enough time to put together a strong professional business plan, Taranaki have been told by the NZRU that their bid will not be forwarded to Sanzar – the governing body of the Tri-Nations – for consideration.

Sanzar will now consider the proposals from Melbourne and the Eastern Cape, with a decision expected in October.