Western Force keen to keep players
Western Force RugbyWA chief executive Peter O’Meara has moved to clear up any uncertainty arising out of the prospect of Western Force recruits playing for clubs on the eastern seaboard in 2006.
Mr O’Meara said the Western Force professional rugby program would effectively preclude the team’s recruits from playing in club competitions on the eastern seaboard.
“We can’t force someone to play for a club but in a practical sense, and given the demands of our program, it will be very difficult for players to participate in club rugby in Sydney and Brisbane,” he said.
Western Force coach John Mitchell said a player’s obligations under the professional rugby program would continue on a weekly basis until he took annual leave.
“We will operate in the best interests of the Western Force and each player’s long term future,” he said.
“Our job, and the rugby program we are developing here, will not finish at the end of the Super 14 and APC fixtures,” he said.
“We are about building a team over the long term and ensuring our players get the best training, preparation and recovery to sustain their professional careers and give them the best chance of playing for the Wallabies.”
Senior Western Force player Brendan Cannon said with the extended Super 14 competition next year, and the recent decision on the APC, the commitments on professional players will be at an all-time high.
“Next year is new territory for all of us and I believe the availability of professional players for club football will be seriously diminished due to the extra demands of Super 14 and the new APC,” he said.
Source: http: //www.sportsaustralia.com/articles/sep05/artid3790.html
