New Zealand's Super 15 Rugby teams will be able to sign foreign players for the tournament after an agreement has been reached between the parties involved.
The New Zealand Rugby Union and the association representing its professional players has cleared the way for overseas players to join New Zealand Super rugby teams for the first time.
The NZRU and New Zealand Rugby Players Association have announced the signing of a collective employment agreement which will allow Super 15 franchises to expand their squads from 28 players currently to between 30 and 32 players, including two from overseas.
The recruitment of overseas players can begin in 2011 under criteria specified by the New Zealand union and with the union's approval.
The agreement includes a new player contracting and payment model which allows Super 15 franchises to contract players directly.
Players will be employed on new New Zealand Rugby contracts which can include a Super 15 retainer up to a maximum of NZ$180,000 (US$126,000) and an NZRU retainer with no upper limit.
The minimum Super Rugby retainer will increase to NZ$70,000 (US$49,000) next year, up from $65,000.
.jpg)
