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Western Force’s draw for inaugural Global Rapid Rugby comp revealed
Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Friday, 31 January 2020 6:00AM
Western Force will play China Lions who will be unveiled as the final team in the inaugural $1 million Global Rapid Rugby competition.
The China Rugby Football Association has joined in a joint venture with New Zealand’s domestic championship winning Bay Of Plenty and are expected to play games in both Shanghai and Rotorua.
The Lions join the Force, a Malaysian side backed by the South African Currie Cup club Valke, Fijian Latui, Manuma Samoa and the Hong Kong-based South China Tigers.
The Force kick off their 10-round, home and away season against Malaysia Valke at HBF Park on March 14 with the grand final also to be played at the stadium in June.
GRR is the vision of mining magnate Andrew Forrest who was angered by Rugby Australia’s controversial axing of the Force from Super Rugby and rejection of his $70 million offer to keep the club alive.
It has evolved from the ground-breaking invitation World Series Rugby and last year’s Showcase Series in which the Force was unbeaten.
GRR chief executive Mark Evans said the inclusion of China was crucial to the long-term development of rugby throughout Asia.
“Our expansion into China is an important development for the competition. We believe that rugby has the potential to become a popular and successful sport throughout the country,” Evans said.
“Rugby is a game with broad appeal. Add the on-going energy, entertainment and family fun created by Rapid Rugby and I am confident crowds in Shanghai will love supporting their home team, the Lions”
“We thank the China Rugby Football Association for its assistance and belief in what we are trying to achieve.
“The ongoing support of New Zealand Rugby has always been greatly appreciated. It is tremendously exciting to be involved with a progressive operation like Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.”
The Force schedule includes a trip to Shanghai on April 19 and a return clash in Perth on May 24 but both clubs will be monitoring their commitments amid the coronavirus crisis.