Aussies deny Force to be cut
SYDNEY: The Australian Rugby Union have moved to refute a media report that alleged Perth-based Western Force would be cut from the embattled Super Rugby competition.
Australia’s News Ltd reported late on Monday that the Force would be one of the teams cut from the 18-team tournament, prompting the franchise to release a statement declaring this to be pure speculation.
The ARU also said no decision had been made on cutting any of Australia’s five sides from the sprawling competition which also includes teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and Argentina.
“At this point, there has been no determination on the future competition format or the teams involved in the competition,” the ARU said in a statement.
“We also wish to confirm for the public record that no decision has been taken on the removal of one of Australia’s Super Rugby teams.”
The ARU are a joint venture partner in the tournament’s governing body Sanzaar along with the rugby unions from New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.
The ARU have declined to express any support for Australia to keep five teams in the tournament since a Sanzaar meeting in London earlier this month, fuelling speculation at least one team will be cut.
Media reports in Australia and South Africa have alleged that the competition will be cut back to 15 teams next year after last year’s expansion to 18 teams was widely blamed for creating inequity in the playoffs and diluting the quality of the rugby.
The Force earlier issued a strongly-worded statement rejecting the News Ltd media report. “Under no circumstances do we believe… speculation around the future of the Western Force to be true,” the team said.
“Two and a half weeks ago, through a national phone linkup, all clubs were told that the ARU (Australian Rugby Union) through the governing body, Sanzaar, were investigating a number of issues and those had to be resolved prior to a decision being made to reduce any of the Australian franchises.”
Founded as an expansion team in 2006, the Force have struggled to gain a foothold on and off the pitch in a part of Australia far removed from rugby union’s eastern heartland.
The ARU had to bail the franchise out last year to the tune of A$3-million (about R29,6-million) and last week the team launched a A$10-million fundraising drive to save it from possibly being cut. INNOVATIVE: Wing Raymond Rhule (with ball) features in one of several slick Cheetahs lineout variations.