Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest and former Wallaby John Welborn have renewed calls for the ARU to facilitate a Brumbies takeover of the Rebels, saying the Western Force are simply too valuable to axe.
RugbyWA and the ARU will begin arbitration in Sydney on Monday, with the fate of the Force hanging in the balance.
The Force will argue the ‘alignment’ deal they signed with the ARU last year guarantees their future until the end of the current broadcast deal in 2020.
But the ARU will counter that argument by saying the broadcast landscape has now changed given the Super Rugby competition will be reduced from 18 to 15 teams next season.
The South African Rugby Union has already axed the Cheetahs and Kings but the Force have found some powerful allies in their fight for survival.
Forrest, who is valued at $4.8 billion, has pledged to do whatever it takes to ensure the Force survive.
And he is supporting a plan that is being devised to assist a Brumbies takeover of the Rebels.
It remains unclear exactly who is masterminding the plan, but Forrest says a Brumbies takeover makes the most sense.
Although the ARU have previously dismissed the idea, Forrest’s support could change their tune.
Forrest believes the plan would allow the Brumbies to expand their sponsorship base into a much bigger market.
The proposal also includes a plan for a rugby academy in Melbourne to provide a player pathway to the Brumbies.
Welborn, who played for both the Force and Waratahs during his decorated career, wants to see the ARU retain all five franchises.
But if it truly is the case that the ARU can’t support five teams, Welborn said the merger was the next best option.
“From the planet Mars an obvious solution … would be to put the Brumbies together with the Rebels,” said Welborn, who is good friends with Forrest.
“Canberra has commercial issues, and always have had. But they’ve had the best rugby program in Australia and are very successful on the field.
“It’s amazing to me to hear claims that no one from the ARU has actively engaged with any of the teams in relation to a merger.
“It’s hard to see how any criteria would result in the Western Force not surviving.
“There’s a far more important rugby footprint here in Western Australia than there is in Melbourne.”
Force chief executive Mark Sinderberry is confident his franchise will win the arbitration hearing.
Sinderberry said the backing of Forrest made the Force’s case for survival irresistible.
If the Force lose the arbitration hearing, Sinderberry said the franchise would explore its legal options.
The arbitration hearing is expected to go for about a week. A decision is expected to be made within 10 working days of its completion.
rugby tragic
Guest
no. the point is carrying as if the brumbies had a greta season is laughable. If a team is to go it has to be a frank discussion between the rebels, the force and the brumbies is all. Obviously considering these other franchise are made up of 99% nsw and qld talent there is no argument against qld or nsw.
Bakkies
Guest
Losing to the Rebels and Reds was disgraceful as the players blew leads in the last few minutes of both games
Bakkies
Guest
Who is going to underwrite the losses of playing home matches in Melbourne? Bruce Stadium operators will have also have to be compensated for loss of income on their contractual agreement
Bakkies
Guest
and the Brumbies are contracted to all 6 to 7 home games at Bruce
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
By your logic we axe all 5 Aussie teams. Bring the Kings and Cheetahs back and add 6th Kiwi side.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Tahs are getting sub 10k's as well. and finished 3rd bottom.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Fans don't go to every game, home or away. Fan's don't complain that SA, NZ, Argentina or Singapre is too far away. Melbourne based games watched by Melboourne based Fans ACT Based games watched by ACT based fans. All Fans watch all games on the Telly (Time zone dependent).
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
So axe the Rebs?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I was surprised to see the figures recently. 10k (on a good day) at the ground 70k Watching on telly. I was expecting something closer to 5% not 12% I think the Tahs and Reds Telly numbers prop up the stats a bit.
republican
Guest
.......that would be closer to 8 games in Melbourne and zip in Canberra, after about 2 seasons, so not on your nelly RB...........
republican
Guest
........but when will WA and Vic achieve a similar accolade RT? I would suggest it will take them even longer. Being dismissive of any GR criteria to be considered relevant is all very well but please at least be consistent in your crit.......
republican
Guest
......bums on seats is not a major criteria for 'success' in any elite sporting business today - sadly.........
republican
Guest
.........they also lost to the Rebels.........
Bakkies
Guest
Both of your posts are complete rubbish RT do try harder
rugby tragic
Guest
considering the last time they did this was in 1988, they are good every 30 years.... there next title will be in 2046...
rugby tragic
Guest
they won 6 games... as far as beating all the aussie franchises at least once, so what. They lost to the reds and that I'm afraid is bad!
republican
Guest
.....the Brumbies will be the only entity to turn a profit at seasons end apparently.........
republican
Guest
.....well in reality Fionn - it would transpire over time as 99% Melbourne and a token 1% Canberra if that, to appease us and to maintain a semblance of symbolic principle, in coveting the Brumbies brand. This is exactly why we must not yield in this respect..........
republican
Guest
..........too true Fionn but alas, this rationale will not hold weight in the end because commercial power brokers are at play here and Canberra is as ever, conveniently treated with expedience and contempt by the rest of Australia..........
piru
Roar Rookie
oh matt - don't let those facts get in the way eh?