Western Force axed from Super Rugby competition

THE Western Force have been axed from Super Rugby.

The WA club lost its fight to survive, with the Australian Rugby Union this afternoon resolving to discontinue its licence.

It ends a drawn-out saga where the Force was battling with the Melbourne Rebels to remain in the competition.

Rugby WA is almost certain to take the case to the Supreme Court if they win a right of appeal.

“As we have reinforced throughout this process, there are commercial realities which are linked to declining on-field performance across our Super Rugby teams which has put Australian rugby in a position where it can no longer sustain five teams,” ARU chairman Cameron Clyne said.

“Furthermore, the significant unbudgeted support funding that has been provided to Super Rugby teams over the past five years has greatly affected our capacity to invest in community Rugby.

“This is a sad day for rugby, especially for Western Force fans.

“We accept that there will be anger and resentment over this decision and we sympathise with those fans. We sincerely hope that they are not lost to the game forever.

Source: Western Force axed from Super Rugby competition | Perth Now