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Western Force deny rumours they will be cut from Super Rugby
By Harry West
Western Force have released a statement denying reports they are in line to be axed from Super Rugby, should the competition opt for a revamp.
It has been suggested Super Rugby will be reduced from 18 to 15 teams by governing body SANZAAR for 2018-19, with some media reports naming Force as Australia's representative to make way.
Those rumours emerged on Monday, and Force were swift in issuing a riposte via an official release, insisting the claims are false.
"RugbyWA and the Road Safety Western Force would like to issue the following statement," it read.
"Under no circumstances do we believe today's speculation around the future of the Road Safety Western Force to be true.
"Two and half weeks ago, through a national phone link-up, all clubs were told that the ARU, through the governing body, SANZAAR, was investigating a number of issues and those issues had to be resolved prior to a decision being made to reduce any of the Australian franchises.
"There has been no further contact from the Australian Rugby Union to any of the Western Force players or staff, so at this time there is no further comment on the matter until substantiated facts are put forward.
"Until then the organisation will be business as per usual, with the team taking on the Blues in Auckland this Saturday."
Force have lost three of their opening four matches of the 2017 season.
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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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