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After months of uncertainty and calls for the team to be relocated, the ARU have today announced that they have reached an agreement with RugbyWA that ensures the Western Force will continue to be based in Western Australia.
The agreement sees the Force’s rugby program will be integrated into the ARU’s high-performance unit.
It also means that the Force is not a stand-alone entity anymore, and all its players and staff are now employees of the ARU.
In a statement from the ARU, “competitive challenges” as a result of being so far from rugby’s traditional stronghold on the east coast were cited as reason for the ARU intervening.
“RugbyWA and the Western Force are not alone in their challenges to remain viable as a professional sports entity in Australia,” ARU CEO Bill Pulver said.
“Numerous teams across several codes are facing the same economic environment across professional sport and the ARU has been looking at ways to create a more efficient and effective way to run our Super Rugby businesses.
“The ARU and RugbyWA have collectively created a model which we believe will be more sustainable for our Super Rugby organisations in Australia.
“Ultimately the alliance aims to deliver financial sustainability and improved high performance outcomes for the Western Force.”
Mark Sinderberry is set to continue as CEO of RugbyWA, while the RugbyWA board will still oversee the franchise’s engagement with the local community.
“The RugbyWA Board is excited to have developed this alliance with the ARU,” said Tony Howarth, RugbyWA chairman.
“We are confident that through this partnership we can provide a more attractive rugby program here in Perth by the Force being integrated into the ARU’s high performance unit.
“This will enable the Force to continue the journey we started over ten years ago to bring outstanding rugby talent to Perth, develop Wallabies and play a style of rugby that attracts members, sponsors and connects with the large Rugby community we have in the West. It also assures the financial viability of the team for the future.”
It’s been a tumultuous year for the Force, with financial concerns leading to calls for the franchise to be moved from the world’s most isolated city.
The Roar’s own Spiro Zavos wrote that the Force should become the Western Sydney Force and play out of Parramatta.
However, Roar Expert Elisha Pearce passionately disagreed with Spiro.
The ARU have clearly sided with Elisha on this one, with Pulver today saying, “From an Australian Rugby point of view, it’s not only essential that we continue to support RugbyWA and the Western Force but to ensure the game remains strong at the community level in Western Australia and that the Super Rugby team is given the best opportunity to succeed.”
Addressing concerns the ARU are not in the financial position to be propping up an ailing franchise, Pulver said, “It is our absolute priority at all times to act with the best interests of Australian rugby as a whole and to protect the long-term health and prosperity of the game in Australia.
“It has been well documented that Australian rugby has faced financial challenges in recent years and a range of measures were taken to ensure it remained sustainable. A significant new broadcast agreement has relieved pressure on the game but it must remain vigilant in the face of a challenging sporting landscape in Australia.”
What do you think Roarers? Have the ARU made the right call, or are they just throwing money down a black hole?
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.