The ARU have spent a reported $800,000 purchasing the Western Force’s intellectual property rights, in a deal Force CEO Mark Sinderberry has compared to “a lease on a car” in an effort to quell suggestions of a bailout.
According to The Australian, the rights include the club’s Super Rugby license, but both sides are highlighting that the deal may be a temporary measure.
“It actually doesn’t mean a lot because we have an option to buy back at any time. That’s the most important thing,” Sinderberry said. “It was a way of assisting us with some funding challenges and also it protects the game more broadly.”
The ARU already own the Melbourne Rebels’ IP rights, and have offered to purchase the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds’ rights as well.
“It’s not dissimilar in other competitions, the governing body will hold the IP rights for those competitions and the teams in the competition,” ARU general manager of professional rugby Rob Clarke said.
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“And the ARU has the rights of the Rebels and the Force. That’s just a strategic initiative that over time may encompass the rest of the organisations.
“There’s an opportunity for those franchises if they wish to sell their IP back, then that’s something we would put to all of them. That will be an ongoing discussion.
“I wouldn’t say it may have to happen. It’s one of those things that is on the table and there will be ongoing dialogue.”
As far as the question of the Force being in dire straits financially, Clarke played a straight bat, saying, “All Super Rugby teams have financial challenges from time to time.”
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