Cheika favoured to lead new Australian club

Leinster coach Michael Cheika is being touted as the most likely target to lead Melbourne, the new Super 15 franchise.

It is known that the fifth Australian club will have an annual budget of AUS$4m and Australian Rugby Union Chief Executive John O'Neill will look for solid marketing signings.

It is mooted that everyone from Dan Carter to Berrick Barnes could be secured.

Mr O'Neill said: "We could allow the number of foreign players to go up to ten initially and be phased out over an agreed period."

O'Neill has also indicated the Rugby League could provide a number of close season targets given the limited Ruby Union playing resources in Australia.

"The reality is there is a big pool of talent in Australia called rugby league. We are now carefully spotting league players in the younger, 16-years-plus age group who aren't superstars but have ability to adapt to our game."