Team takes fight for survival to fans

THE embattled Western Force Super Rugby franchise has launched a A$10- million (R95-million) fundraising drive to save it from possibly being cut from the competition as early as next year.

Rugby unions met in London two weeks ago to address widespread criticism of the unwieldy 18-team format of its provincial competition.

Subsequent media reports in Australia and South Africa indicated that up to three teams from those two countries would be axed next year, with the Force being one of the franchises in the firing line.

The side said yesterday it would be asking fans to purchase a total of 10 000 shares each to take the franchise out of Australian Rugby Union ownership.

“We’ll have the rights to operate a professional Western Australian team that can participate in the Super Rugby competition,” Western Force Owners chairman Tony Howarth said. – Reuters