Western Force to add South African, Japanese and New Zealand opposition to expanded fixture list
Nick Taylor in The West
Western Force are planning six international clashes at HBF Park to extend next season beyond their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
They are in talks with New Zealand NPC side Hawkes Bay for one game with three against South Africa’s Cheetahs.
They expect to face at least one Japanese club, most likely the Robbie Deans coached Saitama Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic), and the final game could feature Irish heavyweight Leinster but is more likely to be another Japanese side.
The games are planned for August and September.
The Force already have two games with newly rebranded Urayasu D-Rocks (previously the Shining Knights) in November.
Force chief executive Tony Lewis said it was crucial for players to get more game time to aid their development.
“We believe that a young player should have 60 matches under his belt before playing a Test.
“In a perfect world Rugby Australia and the Super clubs would love to have a second tier competition.
“It’s something we’re all working on.”
The plan for extra games comes after the release of the Super draw that includes six Force home games, despite delays to the $35 million redevelopment of HBF Park for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and four games in New Zealand.
RA chief executive Andy Marinos, who was CEO of SANZAR when the Force were cut five years ago, said he expects improvement from the side that narrowly missed out on the finals last season.
“From a Western Force perspective, new coach, new coaching team in place, a couple of good pre-season signings,” Marinos said.
“From a RA perspective we are looking to see the Force’s performances pick up from where they left off last year and have a really good outing.”
Marinos said Optus Stadium was on the radar for future Super Round’s - where all sides play over one weekend - with Melbourne’s two-year deal ending next season.
He also confirmed Optus would likely host a British and Irish Lions Test in 2025 and World Cup finals two years later.
“We want to go the length and breadth of the country,” Marinos said.
“They (Optus) offer something unique out west for us.
“They are certainly a very strong and viable option.
“They put forward a really strong proposal.
“From an RA perspective taking Test matches to Perth in three of the last four years has been a pretty strong signal that it’s a good rugby market and a fantastic stadium.
“In terms of where finals will be played, that’s still a work in progress.”
Three WA players, Caleb Karangaroa from Wanneroo, Ryan McGloin of Joondalup and Kalamunda’s Dane Sawers, have been named in the Australian Schools/under-18 squad.
