Pando's article is paywalled. Google "Western Force set to be axed from competition in Super Rugby revamp" to get around it.
it's mostly repeated/syndicated on Planet Rugby too.
Pando's article is paywalled. Google "Western Force set to be axed from competition in Super Rugby revamp" to get around it.
Fairfax Media understands the SANZAAR partners agreed to a 15 team model with one fewer Australian team and two fewer South African teams at a meeting in London earlier this month, but that final approval would not come until the board of SA Rugby meet to vote on an outcome next week.
Further, Fairfax Media understands the ARU has briefed the Super Rugby clubs that any decision on which team would be culled would be worked through after SANZAAR makes an official announcement.
It is highly likely the ARU has recommendations prepared on which team that should be, but the Force, the Brumbies and the Rebels are all understood to be in the dark about what those might be.
Sources have suggested that Australian broadcaster Fox Sports favours a model without the Western Force over losing a team in Canberra or Melbourne. Chief executive Patrick Delany could not be reached for comment on Monday.
Each of the SANZAAR member unions have spent the past two weeks consulting broadcasters and other stakeholders about the preferred 15-team model.
MST you and others keep quoting this. where is the evidence, it is my understanding that when the Imperium group bought the franchise, the agreement was that cold hard cash wasn't paid from them to the ARU, just that the Rebels wouldn't get the usual distribution from the ARU to the tune of $6 m over the three/four first years. so saving the ARU money.The Rebels owner is still owed several million dollars by the ARU and then if the team is still financially un-viable the ARU will have to rescue it by tipping in more cash (reports are it was costing the ARU about $3.5mil a year) and / or again take ownership of it.
The deal reported in several media outlets involved a frontloaded deal over 4 years. IIRC it was $2.6 initially with the balance of the $6mil to be paid over the remaining term. The aru savings claim is hinged on the frontloaded payment reducing the residual. Thus why Cox can sue.MST you and others keep quoting this. where is the evidence, it is my understanding that when the Imperium group bought the franchise, the agreement was that cold hard cash wasn't paid from them to the ARU, just that the Rebels wouldn't get the usual distribution from the ARU to the tune of $6 m over the three/four first years. so saving the ARU money.
He quotes no one or references a source. Still BS in my mind but time will tell.
Just a damaging article when there is no confirmation given the sensitivities. I'm disappointed with Jamie.