Perth Spirit to compete in ARC

[NewsBot]

Perth Spirit to compete in ARC

Western Australia's representative in the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) will be the Perth Spirit.

[Burgs]

Thanks Max, I think you will find that has been announced for a month...

[Darren]

RugbyWA released a formal press release yesterday on this

[Burgs]

RugbyWA launches Perth Spirit for new competition

March 21, 2007 - 12:01pm
Story by: RugbyWA

The West Australian team to compete in the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) will be known as Perth Spirit and will wear the traditional State colours of black and gold.

The team will be coached by Emirates Western Force attack coach John Mulvihill, and will play four games in Perth (not including finals) at Members Equity Stadium.

The draw is still being finalised but Perth Spirit are expected to play their first game at Members Equity Stadium on the second weekend in August.

RugbyWA Chief Executive Peter O’Meara said the name was one of 20 considered by the RugbyWA board and senior management, and was selected because it was readily identifiable as West Australian and was easily aligned with the Western Force brand.

“Just as Force taps into the natural elements that have shaped WA, the word Spirit is strong, powerful and dynamic, and reflects the independent, open-minded and entrepreneurial way West Aussies approach things,” O’Meara said.

“We didn’t choose an animal or plant in the name because we wanted it to reflect a passionate and proudly parochial body of people, West Aussies” he said.

“We have some of the most passionate fans in the game – just ask All Blacks legend Tana Umaga – and this name is in recognition of that energy, that…spirit.”

“And just as the ACT team has gone with the Canberra Vikings and the Victorians will use Melbourne in their name, Perth was chosen to avoid confusion with the Western Force but still make it obviously West Australian.”

“With three teams out of New South Wales and two from Queensland, the use of the name Perth will also dispel any suggestion that it’s a State team up against regional sides.”

O’Meara said he was delighted the RugbyWA board had this week approved the team’s traditional hoop design for its jersey, which he hoped would resonate with rugby diehards.

“The ARC is designed to bridge the gap between Super 14 and club rugby, to provide a pathway for club players to make the next step. But it’s also about tapping into the rugby heartland, the grassroots supporter who has been following the game for years.”

Perth Spirit inaugural coach John Mulvihill said it was an honour to be appointed to the position, and he was excited about the opportunities the competition would offer to local rugby players.

“There are some very good local players who have the potential to go further and the ARC provides them with that opportunity,” he said.

Mulvihill said the 28-man squad would not be finalised until the completion of the Super 14 competition and the Wallabies squad had been selected.

The competition runs from August to October.

It comprises eight rounds and involves one team from WA, Victoria and the ACT, three teams from New South Wales and two from Queensland.

[Darren]

yeah - I had one land in my inbox yesterday too...