SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian Super 14 sides are almost certain to be allowed to recruit players from other countries for the 2009 season with the Australian Rugby Union board expected to endorse the proposal next month.

The landmark move comes as the Super 14 competition undergoes a facelift that will see finals expanded to six teams next season and is also likely to include new franchises being introduced by 2010.

Super 14 bosses hope the extra freedom will mean fewer players will be lured away from southern hemisphere rugby by rich club deals in other parts of the world.

Australia's four teams -- the Waratahs, Brumbies, Reds and Force -- are likely to be allowed to recruit two foreign players each under the proposal.

The Waratahs, Reds and Force have all indicated they would take the opportunity to recruit foreign players for 2009, but the Brumbies said they would wait until 2010.

The ARU is expected to tightly control the recruitment of overseas players, to ensure development of local players is not stifled.

ARU chief executive John O'Neill said here Thursday that the proposal was still being fine tuned.

"The fine detail is being worked out as we speak," O'Neill said.

"There will be certain controls and guidelines which the ARU will monitor."

South Africa already allows two foreign players per side, while New Zealand is expected to follow Australia's lead.

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock supported the change, but added that the impact needed to be considered carefully.

"As long as it's in line with our development program and our talent first and foremost," Mortlock said.

"It's got to be made sure it is in context, so the end result is to improve Australian rugby and improve our product in the Super 14," he said.

"If it's in line with that as well, looking to expand the Super series as well, they are all good initiatives and I'm all for that.

"I don't think it should be to the detriment of making sure we bring our depth of talent through, so it needs to be controlled."

The Rugby Union Players Association said it supported the change.