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The rally organised, by Force Member and long-term fan Shane O’Neill, will allow fans to voice their frustration and concern at the ARU’s decision.
Shane said “This is a chance for all WA rugby fans to come together and have their voice heard. We are totally shocked and angered by the ARU’s decision to cut the Force, we do not understand their reasoning and we want the ARU Board and Management to take note of our anger.”
“We will celebrate rugby in this great state and show the ARU that we will not take this decision lying down.”
Shane set up a Facebook group following Friday’s Arbitration result and subsequent announcement from the ARU, to get likeminded fans together in protest of the decision. The event has now grown to over 1,500 people confirmed as attending and another 2,400 interested in the event.
The event has been organised this Sunday, ahead of the Arbitration Appeal date of Wednesday, 23 August. Community Grand Finals take place on Sunday from 10.30am at Palmyra Rugby Club so the rally has been timed to allow people to travel to finals at its conclusion.
Club stalwart and ex-Captain Matt Hodgson will be joined by Geoff Stooke (OAM), Hans Sauer (RugbyWA Board) and Mark Sinderberry (RugbyWA CEO) as speakers at the rally, which is being hosted by Channel 10’s Tim Gossage.
RugbyWA Chief Executive Mark Sinderberry wants all rugby supporters to attend the rally to show the ARU the strong support the Force has. “This is a day for all passionate rugby supporters to continue the demonstration to the ARU that killing rugby in WA is killing rugby in Australia.”
Event Details:
Sunday, 20 August
9.30 – 10.30am
RugbyWA, 203 Underwood Avenue, Floreat, 6014
MC: Tim Gossage (Chanel 10)
Speakers: Geoff Stooke OAM, Matt Hodgson, Hans Sauer (Rugby WA)
Facebook Event