Force annouce return to Super Rugby AU

Wed, May 27, 2020, 1:48 AM
Rugby WA Media
by Rugby WA Media
The Western Force will officially be involved in the 2020 Super Rugby competition. Photo: Getty Images
The Western Force will officially be involved in the 2020 Super Rugby competition. Photo: Getty Images

The Western Force have officially agreed to join Rugby Australia's Super Rugby AU domestic competition bringing the total number to five teams. 

The official tick of approval came on Wednesday from Force owner Andrew Forrest and is a big piece of the puzzle when it comes to working towards a rugby resumption.

With the Force involved, Super Rugby AU will certainly involve at least five teams in a 12-week tournament kicking off on July 3 and running until September 19.

Rugby AU CEO Rob Clarke was pleased with the Force's involvement in the competition and now will switch his focus to securing a broadcast deal for the competition.   

 “We are very pleased that Western Force has come on board for Vodafone Super Rugby AU and we look forward to releasing the final elements of the competition, including the season draw in due course," he said.

Andrew Forrest confirmed on Wednesday that the franchise would be part of the competition in 2020, committing financial support for the team as well.

Forest was quick to stress that involvement was only for 2020, with his focus still remaining his Global Rapid Rugby competition spanning into the Asia Pacific region .

“I want what is best for rugby in Perth and in Australia and to ensure the game flourishes,” he said.

Forrest has had discussions with incoming Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan, who welcomed the Force's return and interestingly, also apologised for the "pain" of the decisions that saw that the Force axed from the Super Rugby competition back in 2017.

“The return of the Western Force in an Australian based competition is a great story," McLeenan said.

"We are grateful for Andrew Forrest’s support and understand that decisions made by Rugby Australia in 2017 were painful for sports fans in Western Australia and the Force players, and we are sorry that they haven’t been able to share in the rivalry against their fellow Australian teams."

“I would love to continue to work with Andrew into the future as we use this opportunity to innovate and reinvigorate rugby right across the country."

“Our Australian derby clashes are always up there with the most popular matches each season and it will be great to see those rivalries ignited again in a national competition."

"Wallabies spots will also be on the line as Dave Rennie and his coaching team run a keen eye over the competition ahead of the international season."

“The players are hard at it in preparation and we can’t wait to get the season restarted on July 3,” he said."

 Western Force focus still remain on the 2021 Global Rapid Rugby Competition. Photo: Getty Images

The Force was initially set to play in its own Global Rapid Rugby competition in 2020 but with numerous international teams involved, that tournament was cancelled last month.

With WA's borders set to remain closed for the time being, Force will play the opening rounds of the competition on the East Coast but hope to host some games in the latter end of the year, if restrictions ease.   

While the competition sits with five teams Rugby Australia refuse to rule out the involvement from Japan team the Sunwolves as they as they await a government call on whether players would be able to come into Australia for the competition.

Even if the government does allow the Sunwolves to convene in a hub in Australia, players would likely have to spend two weeks in quarantine upon arrival, leaving them little time to trian together before a slated July 3 kickoff.

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