A total of 10 teams are now in contention for the 15th Super Rugby franchise after South Africa and New Zealand announced their contenders on Thursday.

SA Rugby has submitted to SANZAR (the umbrella body for South Africa, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) the Southern Kings' 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) for a place in the expanded Vodacom (sponsor) Super 15.

The Kings, based at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, were unveiled against the British & Irish Lions in May and are the only submission from a South African group.

"A combined Eastern Province, Border and South Western Districts franchise was the only organisation to respond to SA Rugby's call for the submission of "Expression of Interest" (EOI) documents," read a SA Rugby statement.

"SA Rugby has accepted the Kings' submission and has formally asked SANZAR to consider the franchise for inclusion in the full-blown tender process."

Meanwhile, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay have unveiled ambitious bids to take a new Super 15 franchise in 2011 to New Zealand.

The two unions are both affiliated to the Wellington-based Hurricanes, but the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) is taking a cautious approach to their proposals with chief executive Steve Tew admitting it would be difficult to justify another franchise in the country.

Taranaki and Hawke's Bay will have to present compelling evidence if their proposals are to be forwarded to SANZAR for consideration.