Rugby WA has agreed to arbitration with the ARU over the drawn out saga to cull an Australian Super Rugby team.
Either the Western Force or Melbourne Rebels were to be axed as part of the struggling competition’s format change in 2018.
But both franchises rejected the ARU’s determination to cut one of the clubs, with Rugby WA taking legal action when the initial announcement was made almost two months ago.
Now rather than push ahead with the legal action, Rugby WA said on Wednesday it had agreed on arbitration with the ARU starting at the end of July.
“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 Rugby WA statement said.
” 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. ”
The process is understood to have much the same legal status as a court hearing but will enable the ARU and Rugby WA to avoid public scrutiny over the talks.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Ned Hanigan is one of the in-form forwards in Australian rugby who looks set to finally turn promise into quality on the international stage,…
After a few weeks of byes Super Rugby is back to all hands on deck in round 10 with some huge clashes on the…
Super Rugby Pacific have named a key staffer of the A-Leagues football competition as their first CEO. Jack Mesley, who will commence in the…
The Crusaders sit bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder after nine rounds. Are they done?
The Aussie fly-half obviously thought it wasn't legal as Kobe Steelers winger Rakuhei Yamashita charged down his conversion. Foley's Kubota Spears still won the…
As calls grow for the entire Rugby Australia board to be overthrown, new chairman Daniel Herbert described the agitators behind the movement as hypocrites…
