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Andrew Forrest has detailed how he plans to build “the most popular rugby competition in the world”, with the mining billionaire hoping to obtain both World Rugby and the ARU’s tick of approval in the next three weeks.
Forrest has revealed key details of the mooted Indo-Pacific Rugby Championship (IPRC), vowing to fund a six-team league that will launch in either 2018 or 2019.
Western Force, the franchise that was dumped from Super Rugby by the ARU, would be the only Australian outfit involved.
Forrest rowed publicly and privately with the ARU because of its decision to cut the Force but has since been consulting with its board and World Rugby.
Forrest wants the ARU to approve the IPRC in principle, confirm the eligibility of Wallabies and nominate a preferred competition window by Thursday.
The WA-based philanthropist then aims to present his IPRC vision at a World Rugby board meeting on November 14.
“The most popular rugby competition in the world,” Forrest told reporters in Sydney, when asked what his long-term vision for the IPRC was.
“This will not be short of risk and we are prepared to take that risk in time, energy and capital.”
Forrest suggested the IPRC would offer lucrative contracts that could help stem the flood of Australians to foreign leagues, in turn helping strengthen the Wallabies’ bid to win the 2019 World Cup.
“We will have a capital base where we can counterbalance what the Europeans can offer, what the Japanese can offer and further bring Australia’s greatest players back,” he said.
“To prevent our best players leaving.
“We can share a cost if a Super Rugby club wants access to that player.”
He wants the IPRC to be fan-focused and flagged it being “the petri dish” for World Rugby to trial major rule changes.
“It could be anything. It could be more points for a try, it could be hands in the ruck,” Forrest said.
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.