The end of the Western Force?

[Jaguares]

ARU take over the Western Force:

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/a...ng-western-force/story-e6frf4pu-1227802123473

 

[argie]

Maybe they bring them a rescue plan like the SARU with the Southern Kings.

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Don't forget the Melbourne Rebels were handed over to the ARU only a few years ago and after making some losses were sold to private company.

I don't think it's the end for the Force.

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

I have no idea why the Force insist on picking up SA players that can't find a spot in SA. That's the first place to start IMO.

 

[Larksea]

I have no idea why the Force insist on picking up SA players that can't find a spot in SA. That's the first place to start IMO.

a. to save money ?

b. no good players want to sign up ?

Aussie conference have a problem where all their local talent is always being concentrated into a couple of teams, they basically need that to have a team capable of doing well in the finals. But it does leave a couple of teams scratching to get enough talent to be competitive.

The force seems to have become a team of super rugby outcasts?

 

[Kiwiwomble]

Don't forget the Melbourne Rebels were handed over to the ARU only a few years ago and after making some losses were sold to private company.

I don't think it's the end for the Force.

have to admit i didn't know that

 

[0tago]

Can anyone shed light on the Perth/WA Rugby community? What is the grassroots like and player production? High schools, club rugby, county, provincial/state etc? Is there potential for players to come through in that environment, or does it need to be supported completely by external recruitment?

 

[InsaneAsylum]

have to admit i didn't know that

I thought it was common knowledge

The original license was given to the Victorian Rugby Union financially backed by Harold Mitchell's consortium.
In 2013, the shares owned by Harold Mitchell and the other members were transferred to the VRU/ARU.
After losing a few million each year, the Rebels were sold to Imperium Sports Management last year.

Interesting the new owners own a series of other businesses in vastly different fields like hardware and hospitality. you may have noticed the Rebels are no longer sponsored by RaboDirect and there is a lot more signage relating to TGI Friday's which is a restaurant also owned by the Imperium group.

Maybe some cashed up Western Australian can buy the force, although there is talk they'll be relocated to Western Sydney

 

[sigesige00]

Saturday 7 May
Sunwolves v. Western Force

Sunwolves can end the 1st season without a win, if Sunwolves could not beat Western Force.

 

[Hulk Hogan]

More like the Western Farce amirite guyse?

 

[smartcooky]

Saturday 7 May
Sunwolves v. Western Force

Sunwolves can end the 1st season without a win, if Sunwolves could not beat Western Force.

It means nothing. The Bulls did that in 2002, Force did it themselves in 2006 and the Lions did it in 2010. Just look where those teams are sitting now

Bulls won it back to back in 2009 and 2010, and only three other teams have done that, all NZ teams; Blues, Chiefs and Crusaders (twice including one three-peat)