RugbyWA and the ARU have committed to attempting to fast-track the legal dispute between the two parties currently before the Supreme Court of Western Australia through arbitration.
RugbyWA lodged a writ against the ARU on April 10 following the decision to cut one Australian Super Rugby team for the 2018 season in an attempt to save the Western Force from the axe.
However, both parties have now agreed to an arbitration process, which is scheduled to begin in the week of July 31 later this year.
In a statement released this afternoon, RugbyWA said the decision is in the best interests of both the Force and Super Rugby. By attempting to resolve the dispute through arbitration, the decision is expected to speed the resolution of the issue.
The ARU has been inundated with criticism for their handling of the Super Rugby cull, with the saga dragging on far longer than originally expected.
The ARU said on April 10 that they hoped to announce which team will make way next season in 48 to 72 hours, however with both RugbyWA and the Melbourne Rebels turning to the courts to ensure their future, there is still no end in sight two months after that original ARU statement.
Full statement from the Western Force on ARU arbitration
RugbyWA and the ARU have agreed today to fast track the resolution of the dispute currently before Supreme Court of Western Australia through arbitration.The RugbyWA Board believes that to proceed to arbitration is the best way forward for not only the Road Safety Western Force, but for the betterment of the Super Rugby competition, and to expedite this process will only benefit the parties involved.
The Board is particularly concerned with the lack of clear direction for players, staff and supporters and the expedited opportunity provided by a firm arbitration date will be in everyone’s interest.
The arbitration has been timetabled to take place in the week commencing 31 July 2017.
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