Andrew Forrest has unleashed a withering attack on Cameron Clyne over the handling of the decision to cut the Western Force from Super Rugby, calling for the ARU chairman to stand down over the saga.
Forrest claimed he has seen legal advice received by the ARU in February stating that the Force was the only team the game’s governing body was able to cut.
“It’s clear now with the document that I have just received that the Western Force was ambushed. It’s been bullied,” Forrest said.
“It shows clearly that in late February this year, the advice was received and taken to cut the Western Force for no other reason apart from legal advice.”
The mining magnate went on to claim this meant the process that followed and led to the Force being cut was “a charade”.
“Mr Cameron Clyne. You have told me so many times that there was a broad spreadsheet of factors that were all based on merit, which were based on fairness,” Forrest said.
“We all now know, Australia now knows, that was a charade.”
Forrest said the ARU should not have pursued the process that led to the Force being cut, instead saying they should have “come clean” as soon as they received the legal advice.
“You received advice you could not cut the Rebels. You received advice you could not cut the Brumbies. And you received advice that you could not cut the Western Force back in February.
“That’s when you should have come clean, not send the country, the sport of rugby and all the people of Western Australia through a charade, through a farce, in this bullying behaviour.
“I ask you now to resign, Mr Cameron Clyne. This has been discovered. The secret is now out. The process from now must be transparent, and we must all come clean.”
However, Forrest refused to lay any blame at the feet of outgoing Bill Pulver, saying the outgoing ARU CEO was just following orders from Clyne.
“To Mr Bill Pulver, who I am not holding to account, you have been an honest and faithful servant.”
Forrest also denied it was too late to save the Force and have five Australian teams competing in the 2018 Super Rugby season.
“It is not too late. I am in business – global business. I know what too late looks like, I know what the 11th hour looks like, and I certainly know what bullies look like.
“This is not the 11th hour, this is not too late. This wonderful team behind me and this state of supporters and everyone who believes in a fair go in Australia say it’s not too late. Keep the Western Force.”
The Force have appealed their decision to be cut to the NSW Supreme Court, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
The jurisdiction lies with the courts the agreement specify, usually where the company is registered.
Ex force fan
Guest
Will not as this competition is the lifeblood of SARU, Argentinia Rugby Unions, NZR And the Australian Bullshit Union. With thr exception on thr ABU, the others will not agree to cut their throats, they're not that dumb.
Ex force fan
Guest
The ARU needs to go bust and quickly so that a new Board can be elected and we can entangle the mess Clyne left.
Ex force fan
Guest
If there is not enough players to make up a team, or enough teams to make up a competition and players have to play two or three age group above their age proximity is extremely relevant! This is what happened before the Force started in 2005 and where the ARU is heading. The Force is the capstone that keep rugby in WA together and ensure that the game grow. Your comments clear show your total disregard and lack of understanding of the importance of the Force to rugby in WA. Here is no alternative within rugby, the alternatives for juniors is AFL. The ARU is shooting itself in both feet and will soon complain that they are crippled! Dumb. Clyne must go for the interest of rugby.
Ex force fan
Guest
If the argument to concentrate player talent held any water, the Tahs and Bulls would dominate the competition! However they are two teams that regularly disappointed us this year. The best teams are like the Lions, a team that were build bottom up and that has been playing together for a few years with a good coach. The Force is one of these teams.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
They were awarded damages because they suffered financial loss on their investment. What financial investment have the people you refer to made?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
$6M extra a year isn't rolling in cash. Lengthening the NRC just clashes with Super Rugby - Which negates the entire purpose of NRC. How am I talking exceptions? I named 3 players that were signed during the season from the Force alone. There may have even been more from just the Force. The Rebels signed Jordan Uelese, Fereti Sa'aga and Murray Douglas while putting Ikapote Tupai on a development contract. There's 6 players in 2 teams from last season. Hardly exceptions.
Muzzo
Guest
So that's your opinion, or fact? Many don't see it as that!!
Rhys Bosley
Guest
"The ARU’s job is to widely engage with stakeholders and consider all feasible options. Clearly they did not! How can you engage with WA stakeholders if you are not prepared to get on a plane? The ARU did not do their job and cannot blame Twiggy for their mistake!" Correct. If it was just money that was the problem in keeping the Force going, then a competent group of decision makers could have looked to business in that State to help out. But lets not forget that the other stated reasoning behind cutting a team was about taking the best players from the Force for the eastern states, in the hope of getting a short term jump in performance. I suspect that when we remember that, the baffling refusal of the $50 million is a lot less baffling.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Be buggered Milan... marto is a man!?!
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
TWAS, you are talking exceptions, and treating them as the norm. Your straw man returns . Your pitch doesn't go anywhere near fulfilling the requirements. At least mine does, sure funding is a problem, But who says the NRC needs to be crowd funded? The EARU, now rolling in Force cash should have plenty to splash about on grass roots and pathways. The Sheffield shield certainly isn't yet it survives as the development base for Australia's cricketers. or, Merge! Sure it is painful but it solves all of the problems.
Milan
Guest
Lol Piru talk about suffering from paranoia. Marto is his own man Sounds like you've been having nightmares about me
concerned supporter
Guest
TWAS, They are obviously shareholders.They were awarded DAMAGES, because of HIH's Directors misleading & deceptive conduct. You are not that naive to believe that no one suffered or is suffering from the conduct of Clyne &; Pulver. Did you carefully read Brereton J "s judgement?
andrewM
Guest
'Like'!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
So 6 year olds decide what they want to play based on proximity to other teams?
Ex force fan
Guest
This specific players are in WA and will be lost to rugby as the sport collapses without the Force. There are other kids in Melbourne that will not suffer as they still have all the advantages including living close to several Superugby teams.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
They are shareholders. They have purchased a product. In this case shares. What have any of the people you referenced purchased from, or of the ARU?
concerned supporter
Guest
TWAS, "consumers" is your expression. Brereton j,. recently ruled that people,entities & all who acguired HIH shares after a certain Net Profit announcement. This Net proft announcement purposely overstated HIH Net Profit by AUD $92.4 Million.The Judge ruled that they would receive DAMAGES as they paid too much for their shares, due to the misleading & deceptive conduct of HIH. Google 2016 NSWSC 482 to read his judgment if you wish.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Because it is a stupid comment. It is hardly a revelation that they got legal advice on what changes they could make before agreeing to make any changes. So all we have is a source with a dog in the fight claiming that? Great. Thanks.
ethan
Guest
Not to your usual standard TWAS. Usually you stay on topic and avoid low brow insults like "that's a stupid comment", but I guess you're feeling the heat on this one. Here's the link re: Rob Clarke (a correction, it says 'committee', not 'board'). nedlandsrugby.com.au/2017/08/29/eminem-palms-sweaty-aru-boardroom/