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Force and ARU arbitration process under way
By Peter Thompson
Western Force's battle to remain in Super Rugby entered a key stage when an arbitration process started on Monday.
The Perth-based franchise's future is up in the air after it was announced in April that either the Force or Melbourne-based Rebels would lose their Super Rugby spot along with Cheetahs and Southern Kings.
It will be the Rebels who retain their status in a reduced 15-team competition next season if Australian Rugby Union (ARU) get the arbitration verdict.
The ARU-owned Force are expected to launch an appeal if the ruling goes against RugbyWA.
Mining billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest gave the Force a timely boost by pledging his support to the club's 'Own The Force' campaign, which was launched with the aim of enabling fans to buy the club.
RugbyWA chairman Tony Howarth said: "Andrew's idea of promoting community participation by doubling the benefit for the cause will have a wonderful impact on both the professional game but more importantly provide funds for RugbyWA to support the growth of grass roots rugby in Western Australia at the community level ranging from our under-6s through to junior and schoolboy rugby, women's rugby and clubs both in Perth and regional areas.
"We are looking forward to sitting down with Andrew to work through the implementation of the proposal."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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