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Interesting line midway through this story.
Western Force future assured, says Rugby Australia director Scott Johnson
Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Wed, 9 September 2020 3:40PM
Western Force have secured their place in the sport’s future, according to Rugby Australia’s director of rugby Scott Johnson.
Johnson was not surprised by how competitive the side was in trying conditions in the Australian Super Rugby competition and having players picked for the Wallabies training squad was just reward.
The Force were controversially axed by RA three years ago but Johnson said: “They are part of the rugby landscape of Australia.
“From a rugby standpoint I see them as being a part of us.
“We’d like to think they are part of the future. It’s good to have them around that’s for sure.”
Johnson echoed the sentiments of new RA chairman Hamish McLennan.
McLennan told thewest.com.au in July, after the Force had been invited back into Super Rugby: “I envisage they will be in for the long term.”
Reports that the Force could relocate to New Zealand to play in their Super Rugby competition next year have been dismissed by insiders as “drawing a very, very long bow”.
The Force were winless but always competitive in the Super competition and were left heartbroken on a couple of occasions, particularly after the last minute 34-30 loss in the final game to the Melbourne Rebels.
“They didn’t surprise me. I was very, very pleased. They added to the tournament because they were competitive,” Johnson said.
“They were always going to be competitive if they didn’t get excessive injuries
“They were competitive right to the bitter end. It could have easy not to show up in that last game but to get that result was testament to everyone involved.
“Everything about it said so much about the people involved.
“It reflects well on the coaching team, on the people overseeing the program as much as the players.
“It was an arduous time and you judge people at the heavy and hard times.
“It wasn’t easy, they never complained, they got on with it. They should be congratulated.”
Three players, No.8 Brynard Stander, hooker Feleti Kaitu’u and centre Kyle Godwin have been called into the Wallabies extended training squad. Others are knocking on the door.
“That’s reward for good effort. They certainly grabbed our attention enough to say let’s have a good look,” Johnson said.
“The beauty of the Force is they uncover people who were locked out on the east coast and give them a future as well as produce their own talent.”