Perth based Super Rugby franchise the Western Force have revealed that their meeting with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) over their future participation in Super Rugby was an “unsatisfactory” meeting so they have started legal proceedings against the ARU.
Super Rugby’s ruling body Sanzaar announced on Sunday that one Australian team will be cut from Super Rugby next season and the ARU said on Monday that it would be either the Force or the Rebels in Melbourne.
Representatives from the Force (the RugbyWA Board) met on Monday with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) management representatives after which the Force issued a statement.
“The RugbyWA Board had an unsatisfactory meeting with Australian Rugby Union (ARU) management representatives today that highlighted that the terms of the assessment and process being used to evaluate ourselves and the Rebels were inconsistent and inequitable,”said the Force in a statement.
“Discussions also failed to address the responsibilities that exist in the Alliance Agreement between RugbyWA and the ARU and we felt in order to protect our position it was necessary to issue legal proceedings to protect our rights under the Alliance Agreement.”
“Initially we had particular concerns about the 72-hour deadline to respond, however we have now been advised that we will have further time to present our business case.”
“Today further highlighted the importance of the Own the Force campaign to strengthen our negotiating position with the Australian Rugby Union to ultimately secure the Road Safety Western Force in Perth.”
“We urge all supporters who pledged their commitment to now consider becoming a shareholder of the Western Force Owners Ltd.
“In the meantime, we will work with our partners, staff and Government to develop the best possible business case to take to the ARU.”