ARU rejects ‘generous’ offer from Andrew Forrest to save Western Force in Super Rugby

An offer believed to be worth $50 million from mining entrepreneur Andrew Forrest to keep the Western Force in the Super Rugby competition has been rejected by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

Mr Forrest met key ARU figures for three hours in Adelaide on Tuesday after the governing body announced its decision to axe the Force from Super Rugby earlier this month.

His charity, the Minderoo Foundation, issued a statement after the meeting saying the ARU had rejected “an unprecedented financial offer … to ensure the future of rugby as a national sport and to guarantee the future of the Western Force”.

“In addition to the substantial offer to national rugby, there was an unconditional guarantee … that there would be no financial risk to the ARU if it was to retain the Western Force in Super Rugby,” the statement said.

Force demise a dark day

The decision to axe the Western Force from Super Rugby stops the sport from being a truly national game, writes Clint Thomas.

It is understood Mr Forrest’s offer was valued at $50 million.

Source: ARU rejects ‘generous’ offer from Andrew Forrest to save Western Force in Super Rugby – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)