Force could play rivals in the west

WESTERN Force rugby coach Tim Sampson hopes his team will be playing in Perth by late July but he needs the WA Government to help out.

The full draw of Australia’s new domestic rugby competition was released yesterday, with the Force to begin their campaign in Round 2 against NSW in Sydney on July 11.

It was initially thought the Force would have to play all eight of their regular-season games in the eastern states due to WA’s tough border-closure stance. But Rugby Australia tory 14-day quarantine period for teams entering the state.

The Force have been tentatively scheduled to play in Perth in rounds five (Rebels), seven (Waratahs) and eight (Reds).

Their Round 4 match against the Brumbies on July 25 could also be played in Perth, given the Force has been slated as the home team and no venue has yet been allocated.

The Force were booted out of Super Rugby in 2017 but billionaire Andrew Forrest saved them from extinction.

ANTHONY Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed in principle to meet next year in two fights that would determine which of the British world champions is the undisputed heavyweight boxing king.

After weeks of talks between the camps, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said no contracts had been signed but terms were in place for the WBA, IBF and WBO belt holder to face WBC champion Fury.

“We’re making great progress,” Hearn said. “There is still a lot to overcome … we’re in a good place. It’s fair to say that in principle both guys have agreed to that fight – two fights.” Hearn said the first bout could happen in the English summer of 2021. Fury said on Instagram: “The biggest fight in British boxing history has just been agreed. Two-fight deal. Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua (pictured) next year.”