The Australian Rugby Union has welcomed the display of unity between previously rival bidders for the licence of the proposed Melbourne Super 15 franchise but says it still has to hear from the new combination.

The VicSuper15 and Melbourne Rebels groups announced on Tuesday they were merging into one entity.

The announcement followed weeks of competition and disagreement between the rival bidders for the licence.

The ARU was on Wednesday still awaiting formal confirmation of the merger.

"In terms of the announcements made yesterday, the ARU is yet to hear formally from the groups, individually or collectively," an ARU spokesperson told AAP on Wednesday.

"However we welcome interested parties, who want to be involved in the establishment of a Super rugby team in Melbourne, consolidating their support.

"Until now, that unity has been missing."

The spokesperson stressed the ARU was still sticking to its established process involving investment banker John Wylie, who was appointed as an adviser last week.

"A process remains in place where highly respected investment banker and Melbourne Cricket Ground Trust chairman John Wylie is acting as an adviser to the ARU," the spokesperson said.

"Mr Wylie will help facilitate an appropriate ownership and funding model for the proposed Melbourne team."

It is believed that members of both parties involved in the merger have spoken to Wylie since his appointment.

There will be a private equity component in the proposed Melbourne team, which will require several million dollars to get up and running.

Melbourne will be vying for the 15th spot in an expanded 2011 Super competition with a South African Rugby Union bid representing the Southern Kings from the Eastern Cape.

A Sanzar executive committee meeting on October 21 in Sydney will choose the successful applicant.

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