WA Government demands ARU save team
Western Force on chopping block: WA Government demands ARU save team
By Jacob Kagi
Posted 50 minutes ago
The WA Government is upping the pressure on Australian Rugby Union (ARU) over the future of the Western Force, urging the governing body to "uphold its end of the bargain" by not axing the Perth-based Super Rugby team.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said his state had invested $100 million in upgrading Perth Oval, in large part to accommodate the Force, and the ARU now had a responsibility not to cull the team.
Either the Force or Melbourne Rebels will be cut as part of a move to contract the Super Rugby competition to 15 teams, with a decision expected within the next week.
"Australian Rugby Union needs to understand the state of Western Australia put an enormous amount of money into that team and they need to deliver on their part of the bargain, which is leaving the team in place," Mr McGowan said.
Mr McGowan cited reports the Rebels would be willing to hand back their license and keeping the Force was the "clear option".
The Premier said he telephoned ARU chief executive Bill Pulver last week to make his views clear.
But he indicated additional financial assistance from the Government to support the Force was not a possibility, following a state-backed major sponsorship around road safety.
"I want the team to remain but I don't want the state to go into any further financial debt, in terms of the ARU, to support that," he said.
The Force is currently owned by the ARU after recent financial difficulties, which led many to believe cutting the Perth-based side will be the easiest option as opposed to the privately-owned Rebels.
But the Force argues that a strong sponsorship base, and its recent history of developing local talent, should see it stay in the competition.
ARU chairman Cameron Clyne admitted financial sustainability would be a major factor in the decision.
"The reason we are in this position is that passion and support has not been there for some years," he told Fox Sports.
"This game has got to get on a much better financial footing."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-1...c=statenews_wa
