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Great news for the Western Force:
The Western Force is thrilled to announce the addition of an annual Spring Series, kicking off with the Cheetahs in late August
Annual Spring Tour
The next important step for our clubs development, great intiative.
Last edited by Tazzmania; 18-04-23 at 09:11.
We scrum for posession, run for the try zone, bleed for the team and live for the game
It's a great initiative. Hopefully the powers that be can organise a few more for the developing lads.
Annual Spring Series Confirmed
Mon, Apr 17, 2023, 5:28 PM
WM
by Western Force Media
The Western Force is thrilled to announce the addition of an annual Spring Series, kicking off with the Cheetahs in late August.
The Cheetahs hometown of Bloemfontein will host two matches, followed by two games in Perth in September. Venues are yet to be locked in as HBF Park remains unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup.
Similar to the D-Rock Japanese tour initiated in November last year, this series aims to form long-lasting relationships and 'fill the gap' of high-level rugby downtime in Australia.
Western Force Head Coach Simon Cron will take many advantages from this annual tour, stating it’s essential for players to propel their development beyond clubland.
“Adding a third-tier competition is critical to give a pathway for players to step up from club rugby. It will give these players a chance to learn and grow as well as test themselves at a higher level,” Cron attested.
“It is a direct steppingstone into the Western Force and we have to create this competition if we are serious about development of players.”
“This allows players to prove themselves at a higher level before stepping up into the professional environment of Super Rugby, benefiting all involved.”
This is an opening the Force has been yearning for since their reinstatement and the final approval granted by the Western Force Board of Directors was the final step in making the series a reality.
General Manager of Rugby Matt Hodgson has been liaising with the Cheetahs for many seasons, so to see the series eventuate, Hodgson admits, is an excellent opportunity for players and supporters alike.
"With Super Rugby being such a short series, we need to look at adding several games to build team cohesion and opportunities for players to perform at a high level of rugby throughout the end of the year," Hodgson pointed out.
"Reesjan Pasitoa is a perfect example of why these matches are needed. Instead of waiting another six months, this gives him a number of games to target as a return and play, progressing him forward for the Super season next year."
"This series also benefits players that don't play many minutes in Super Rugby through selection and provides recruitment prospects to trial players for the 2024 season and beyond"
Providing more matches for our Members is also highly important, along with reconnecting with Perth's rich South African supporter base.
"When the Force played the Cheetahs and Stormers in the past, there was a strong presence of South African supporters. So, we are eager to see them support rugby in our state again."
Force vs Cheetahs
The series will align with Super Rugby standards, promoting highly competitive match day experience.
"All matches will be closely aligned to Super Rugby standards. With both teams preparing for upcoming seasons. There may be slight variations, but the aim is to keep the structure as close as possible."
CEO of the Free State Cheetahs, Ross van Reenen is equally passionate for this series to kick-off commenting on the valuable opportunity the games provide for his players.
“We are incredibly excited about the significant opportunity to partner with the Western Force. As former Super Rugby opponents, previous encounters were always highly competitive and emotionally charged,” said Ross van Reenen.
“This is a valuable opportunity for the Toyota Cheetahs to face a different style of rugby and to open rugby doors to the South.”
Currently the Force are in discussions with European and Japan based teams for the continuation of this annual Spring Series.
Further information will be shared on West Australian matches closer to August.
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/annual...tember-2023417
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Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Well done to the Force team for putting it together, and the idea of a mini return tour is interesting. Can only hope it might all eventually lead to a real and meaningful competition played annually, that can then be capitalised.
Any idea on if it will be televised?
Exile
Port Macquarie
"I don’t know where you’re at in your life or what you’re going through, but I wanna tell you to keep going, baby. I wanna tell you success is on the other side of it.
I wanna tell you it’s gonna be okay. I wanna tell you that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason, because what’s in front of you is so much more important than what’s behind you."
Jelly Roll
The Cheetahs won the Currie Cup by beating the Pumas 25-17 in the Final in Bloemfontein on the weekend, so looks like our series will be against the Currie Cup Champions
Their coach Hawies Fourie confirmed that the will play the Western Force at the end of August and the beginning of September in Bloemfontein and at the end of September and the beginning of October the return fixtures will be in Perth.
Note: The currie cup final is available on Stan for those that want to get a glimpse of our opposition.
We scrum for posession, run for the try zone, bleed for the team and live for the game
Looking forward to this
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
Agreed, but it is still two and a half months off where the rest of the world is playing rugby. Australian rugby really does fight with one hand and both feet tied behind its back.
I meant atmosphere mate. I’ll shut up now 🤣
Great game, Fucken battled right through to the 80!