Western Force cut from Super Rugby
The Western Force have been cut from Super Rugby, leaving Australia with four teams from next season.
In a statement, the Australian Rugby Union said it had ‘‘resolved to discontinue the Western Force Super Rugby licence’’.
The decision to cut one of the Australian franchises was first announced in April, and the Force and the Melbourne Rebels were quickly identified as the two teams on the chopping block.
The ARU said on April 10 that they would confirm which of them would be cut within ‘‘48 to 72 hours,’’ but the decision has instead taken 123 days.
Following a Sanzaar review of the competition, it was also decided that two South African franchises would be cut, and the Southern Kings and Cheetahs have since joined the European Pro12 competition, turning it into the Pro14.
ARU chairman Cameron Clyne said in a statement that cutting one of its teams had been ‘‘a complex process’’.
‘‘We are regretful that this issue has consumed so much of the public commentary on the game in 2017. It was clearly not our intention for this to play out over such a lengthy period how- ever there have been factors outside the ARU’s control that have prevented us from completing the process.
‘‘Our decision to exit the Western Force has been guided primarily by financial outcomes.
‘‘As we have reinforced throughout this process, there are commercial realities which are linked to declining on-field performance across our Super Rugby teams which has put Australian rugby in a position where it can no longer sustain five teams.’’
Clyne said it was ‘‘a sad day for rugby’’ and ‘‘especially for Western Force fans’’.
‘‘We accept that there will be anger and resentment over this decision and we sympathise with those fans. We sincerely hope that they are not lost to the game forever.’’
He said the decision to cut the Force was ‘‘not a decision to abandon the game in Western Australia’’.
‘‘Western Australia will retain an important place in Australian rugby and the ARU will continue to support youth development programs and the community game in the West. There will be a clear pathway for young Western Australian rugby players to reach the highest level and represent the Wallabies.
‘‘Our immediate concern is to support the individuals at the Western Force through these difficult circumstances and we will deploy various ARU management staff to Western Australia to assist all players and staff.’’